NBA Player Power Rankings: MVP Candidates Continue To Clash

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 4, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks

Position: Power Forward
Age: 31 (2/10/1985)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .437/.317/.749
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 17.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 3.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.1 3PM

Paul Millsap’s scoring efficiency has hit a sharp decline, but that’s not reason to drop him out of the Top 20. He’s still one of the most versatile defensive players in the NBA, as well as one of the most well-rounded offensive players in the Association.

There aren’t many players who can help make up for their teammates’ deficiencies in every phase of the game, but Millsap is one of them.

Not only does Millsap cover up for his teammates’ flaws, but he does so on a team that’s winning at a borderline elite level. The Atlanta Hawks are 24-18, which isn’t necessarily dominant. Having said that, Atlanta is 9-2 over the course of its past 11 games.

Dennis Schröder has been sensational during that stretch, but it’s Millsap who remains the most valuable player on the Hawks.

The Hawks currently have net ratings of +3.8 with Millsap on the court and -7.1 when he isn’t. That’s a difference of 10.9 points per 100 possessions, which is a fair indication of just how valuable he is to Atlanta’s success.

For what it’s worth, Millsap is No. 9 in the NBA in Real Plus-Minus. Millsap may not be scoring efficiently, but he’s a Top 20 player.