NBA: Ranking all 30 starting power forwards for 2018-19

8. Paul Millsap, Denver Nuggets

Let this sink in: Paul Millsap missed more than half the season last year, and the Denver Nuggets were still one win away from making the playoffs. Expectations are rightfully higher in 2018-19, but if Millsap can stay on the court for more than 38 games, his two-way impact should finally manifest itself.

In the first year of his three-year, $90 million pact, Millsap saw his numbers drop to 14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, but he also added in 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, shot a decent 34.5 percent from 3 and posted the best defensive rating on the roster.

With the Nuggets owning a $30 million team option for 2019-20, the pressure is on for this two-way star to play like one. That starts with staying healthy, but if he’s able to do so, Millsap will be able to step into the perfect defensive role for this offensive juggernaut on the rise.