Atlanta Hawks: To Sign Millsap Or To Not Sign Millsap
Paul Millsap has been the Atlanta Hawks’ best player for the last few years. The decision to extend, or not extend, his contract this off-season is a big one.
In one of the more bizarre stories this past week, Atlanta Hawks PF Paul Millsap opted out of his $21.4 million option for the 2017-18 season. Yes, I am aware he made it apparently clear he was going to opt out, but has since stated he would like to remain in Atlanta. He still turned down almost a quarter of 100 million dollars just for the slightest chance the Hawks resigned him to a max deal.
This is where we pose the question of to sign Paul Millsap or to not sign Paul Millsap. Did Millsap show up when the Hawks needed him most against the Wizards? Yes, yes he did. Millsap’s averaged 24.3 PPG and 36.5 MPG in the playoffs compared to his 18.1 PPG and 34.0 MPG during the regular season.
The fact of the matter is this is the kind of player the Hawks need to keep away from other teams in the league. Following their first round exit in the playoffs, Millsap spoke with Atlanta Journal Constitution contributor Chris Vivlamore.
“I think we all know the answer to do that,” said Millsap. “Eventually I probably will opt out, yes. But I want to be here. I think talks have been pretty good, so we’ll see what happens.”
Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is fouled by Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
With the NBA all consisting of money hungry players who are willing to leave an organization in the dark, Millsap is proof that there are players out there who remain loyal to teams that gave them a chance to shine.
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This upcoming summer free agency frenzy will be one for the record books to say the least, but as stated in a previous article the Hawks need to lock down the fort first, and that begins with Millsap.
In his stint with the Hawks Millsap has proven he can gradually get better each and every season. In 2014, Millsap averaged a mere 16.7 PPG, but returned in 2015 upping his average to 17.1 PPG. Heading into 2016 knowing he would have to again top his previous season Millsap not only averaged 18.1 PPG, but continuously gave the Hawks a chance to beat the Wizards in the playoffs averaging 24.3 PPG.
Do the Hawks really need to give Millsap a max contract? The answer is no. Especially if Millsap is aware that the franchise is facing a rebuild or an unbelievable free agency situation, but I for one think the man has earned his new contract, and he will be putting pen to paper sooner rather than later.
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http://www.ajc.com/sports/basketball/millsap-will-opt-out-but-wants-remain-with-hawks/aPs1vpVQ9YwojIOKDEVVRJ/