Paul Millsap On Track for Another All-Star Game Appearance

Paul Millsap re-signed with the Atlanta Hawks this past offseason after testing the free agency market.

Even though the Orlando Magic made it interesting, Paul Millsap still opted to return to the city where he has found the most success during his career as an NBA player. After representing the Atlanta Hawks for two consecutive years at the NBA All-Star Game, it looks as if Paul Millsap will represent his team for the third consecutive season this coming February.

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So far in the 2015-2016 season, Paul Millsap is averaging almost a double-double per game. Paul Millsap leads the Atlanta Hawks in scoring with 18.3 points per game, and is recording 9.3 rebounds per game — also tops on the team and are career highs. On a Hawks team that thrives with a balanced offensive effort from all of its players, Paul Millsap provides consistency at the power forward position, while always keep opponents on their toes with his ability to stretch defenses.

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Paul Millsap is also the most consistent offensive threat for the Atlanta Hawks this season. On nights when Al Horford’s shot isn’t falling, Kyle Korver can’t get open, or Jeff Teague can’t finish, Paul Millsap has found a way to carry the Atlanta Hawks offensive load. He’s currently shooting 48.8 percent from the field, and nearly 35 percent from beyond the arc. Paul Millsap is also playing the role of facilitator, dishing out 3.6 dimes per contest.

On the defensive end, Paul Millsap has become arguably the Hawks best player. On top of his nearly 10 rebounds per game he’s averaging, Paul Millsap also averages 1.1 blocks per game and 2.8 steals per game, which is good for 7th in the NBA. As fans, we are hard pressed to find many other players who are as balanced as Paul Millsap is. He epitomizes what the Atlanta Hawks represent, and is the embodiment of Mike Budenholzer’s philosophy.

So long as the Atlanta Hawks remain near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, it’s a safe bet that Paul Millsap makes his third consecutive All-Star appearance this February. Though he may not score 30 points a game like Stephen Curry, or average 15 rebounds per game like Andre Drummond, Paul Millsap’s balance is uncommon in today’s NBA. He’s a jack of all trades, whose presence is felt on both ends of the court on nearly every possession.

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The Atlanta Hawks made the decision this summer to pursue Paul Millsap over DeMarre Carroll, due to the financial constraints of re-signing both players. So far, it’s looking like the organization made the right call to retain Paul Millsap. As the Hawks continue to overcome a period of early season adversity, Paul Millsap is the stabilizing force that will allow the team to continue to get back on track.

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