Denver Nuggets: Complete 2017 offseason grades
Signing Paul Millsap
With long-term starters locked in at the 1, 2 and 5, the Denver Nuggets knew they needed to address the forward positions. As previously mentioned they did so aggressively in the draft, trading for Trey Lyles and selecting Tyler Lydon in the first round.
The Nuggets were also involved in trade discussions involving Paul George and Kevin Love, where Love would become a Nugget. While the offensive ceiling of that team would be incredible, defensively Denver wouldn’t have been able to contend with such a poor defensive frontcourt.
Denver made the right choice in not trading assets for Love, and was proven right when the best power forward on the market signed a contract to join the Nuggets. Rather than give up core pieces of their roster in Gary Harris or Hernangomez, Denver was able to add to that core.
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At age 32, the undersized Paul Millsap is likely to decline as he ages, but Denver accounted for that in the contract they signed the former Hawk to. By signing Millsap to just a three-year deal, the Nuggets ensured they wouldn’t be burdened by the onerous contract of a geriatric former star. With a team option on the third year, Denver made this deal incredibly team-friendly while still giving Millsap the up-front money he was seeking. Down the road when Millsap is no longer performing like a star, they don’t have to pay him like one anymore.
To be clear, Millsap at 32 has been slowly declining and will continue to do so; but at some point there will be a more drastic drop-off. Not just contractually, but on-the-court. Denver is set up well for this, as Jamal Murray will be ready to step up as the second banana. The Nuggets are putting together a sharp timetable of growth.
All aging caveats now set aside, Paul Millsap is an All-Star level player right now, something the Nuggets have needed for years. In Millsap they have an elite defensive player who combines the perimeter lockdown benefits of a wing player with the rim protection and rebounding of a big man. While Millsap is not the very best in the NBA at either, his versatility allows him to make an impact no matter the personnel he is playing alongside or matched up against.
Offensively Millsap worked to add the 3-point shot last season. He is also a willing and crafty passer, and alongside Jokic should spark highlight-worthy passing chains that result in wide open shots. He has the speed to beat bigger defenders, but has developed a nasty post game to bully smaller defenders.
The distant future shows Millsap as too old to lead this team to the NBA Finals. But for now Denver needed a defensive stanchion and two-way star, and they got one in free agency on a smart deal. As Millsap fades into a lesser role down the road, Denver has other players who will step up. While no one is assured of anything in the NBA, this team is putting together a strong core.
Paul Millsap is not only the latest member of that core, but the most accomplished. Signing him not only signals a change in this team’s ability to draw free agents, but likewise a change in their prospects. Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, and now Paul Millsap are going to be part of one of the league’s most exciting and potent offenses, and a young team ready to fight.
Grade: A+