Denver Nuggets: 3 goals for Paul Millsap in 2018-19

(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Develop a rapport with the Nuggets’ young pieces

Considered one of the better young cores in the league, the Nuggets have Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris alongside Millsap in the starting lineup, each of which is under the age of 25.

After missing more than half of the season last year due to a wrist injury, Millsap has a lot of catching up to do.

Having played nearly the final two months of last season, the task is not one that will be tough for the NBA veteran. Another offseason, added to those pair of months, should prove to move Millsap past the awkward phase of integration.

Whether it is communication on the defensive end, or adjusting to the center-led offense that the Nuggets run through Jokic, Millsap can improve the team if he is able to quickly establish a rhythm with his teammates.

As an ex-member of the Atlanta Hawks, Millsap dealt with plenty of lineup turnover, along with Kyle Korver and Tim Hardaway Jr. beside him on the outside. The upgrade to Harris and Murray should prove to ease the transition further for the Monroe, Louisiana native.

The Hawks also possessed an offense that ran through the bigs in Al Horford and Millsap, much like what coach Mike Malone will put forward with Jokic and Millsap.

Despite the lack of playing time, Millsap was able to average nearly three assists a night, an indicator that the big man is adjusting to the lineups the Nuggets possess. The figure posed as the sixth-highest of his 12-year career, but figures to rise with added trust.