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NBA Free Agency: Options for Paul Millsap after Atlanta Hawks’ comments

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) signs autographs before a game against the Washington Wizards in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) signs autographs before a game against the Washington Wizards in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Jan 10, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) is congratulated by forward Jae Crowder (99) and forward Al Horford (42) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Celtics 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Boston Celtics

In 2016-17, Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics won 53 games and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. By signing Paul Millsap, general manager Danny Ainge would be bolstering an already tremendous roster by replacing Kelly Olynyk with a four-time All-Star.

Reuniting the Atlanta interior duo of Millsap and Al Horford may or may not be appealing, but this works on too many levels to ignore.

Boston runs a motion offense that enables players to find scoring opportunities both with and without the ball. It also demands a high level of defensive intensity, which Millsap has no problem providing—see: No. 14 in the NBA in Defensive RPM.

It’s certainly not a knock against Mike Budenholzer as a head coach, but Millsap and Horford would likely experience superior success with a significantly stronger cast around them.

Isaiah Thomas is a borderline superstar at point guard, Avery Bradley is a lockdown defender who can score at a high level, and Jae Crowder is a valuable two-way player. Boston also has the No. 1 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, which it could either utilize or trade for another star.

In either scenario, the best possible option for Millsap would be to sign with the team that would best utilize his talents: the Boston Celtics.

Must Read: LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers must embrace a motion offense

Re-signing with the Atlanta Hawks remains an option, but if Paul Millsap feels slighted by the front office, these options should be available.

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