2017 NBA free agency: Is Blake Griffin or Paul Millsap better?
Overall
This is as close to a toss-up as you can get. Blake Griffin has the playmaking and outside shooting advantages, while Paul Millsap has the nod in inside scoring and defense.
Both of these players have a lot going for them but also have some warts.
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Griffin has dealt with a fair amount of injuries, especially these past three seasons. It’s also been rumored that Griffin hasn’t exactly been thrilled to play Chris Paul. However, Griffin is only 27 years old and should just be entering his prime.
Millsap, on the other hand, is 31 years old and probably has his best basketball behind him. Although he was a bit of a late bloomer, it’s hard to count on a soon to be 32-year-old to continue to put up consistent numbers worthy of the contract Millsap deserves.
Both of these players have legit chances to sign with a new team and each guy is deserving of a max contract.
Since I have to pick one of these players, I’m choosing Blake Griffin as the superior player. His defense may not be on par with Millsap’s, but his offense and playmaking abilities make up for that gap.
Which free agent would you rather have for your favorite team?
— Brian Sampson (@BrianSampsonNBA) June 25, 2017
Griffin is multi-dimensional and is just beginning to find his outside shot. This past year he attempted 113 3-pointers. Before that, his career high was 44 back in 2013-14. If he can continue to improve his shot and take strides in increasing his shooting percentage, he will be that much more dangerous.
As for his playmaking skills, this is what really separates him from Millsap. Teams and coaches can be comfortable allowing Griffin to initiate half-court sets. He can also excel in both roles of the pick-and-roll. There are very few players we can say this about.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
Even though Griffin hasn’t made the All-Star team since 2014-15, he has his best basketball ahead of him. That’s something I can get behind.