Former NBA All-Star Forward Paul Millsap Retires After 16 Seasons

Who remembers the days when the Atlanta Hawks got four all-star players? Yes, that's the time when Paul Millsap was there—and now he's retiring for good after 16 seasons.

The NBA Path: A Second-Rounder to Star

Former NBA All-Star Forward Paul Millsap Retires After 16 Seasons

Paul Millsap's basketball journey in the NBA started way back in 2006. He was the 47th overall second-round draft choice of the Utah Jazz during that year's edition of the NBA Draft.

Initially coming off the bench, Millsap made an immediate impact, playing all 82 games in his rookie season and finishing sixth in Rookie of the Year voting. By his fifth season, CBS Sports reports that Millsap had secured a starting role, averaging 16.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 50.7% from the field.

His impressive consistency and defensive skills earned him recognition, including multiple mentions in the Sixth Man of the Year voting and key contributions to the Jazz's playoff runs.

All-Star Years With the Atlanta Hawks

Millsap's career really took off when he joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2013. There, he became a four-time NBA All-Star, praised for his two-way game and leadership on the floor.

The 2014-15 season was particularly special as Millsap led the Hawks to an astonishing 60-win regular season. He averaged 16.7 points and 7.8 rebounds, and the Hawks went all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Defensively, Millsap finished fifth in the 2015-16 NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top all-around players. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him one of the most well-rounded players of his era.

Continued Success with the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets

In 2017, Millsap signed with the Denver Nuggets where he continued to produce at an elite level. He developed a great frontcourt partnership with budding star Nikola Jokic and in the 2019 playoffs, played a vital role as the team's third-leading scorer behind Jokic and Jamal Murray. However, his production dropped in the latter stages of his career, but Millsap remained invaluable to the Denver Nuggets.

He played out his last years in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, giving the two championship contenders depth and veteran savvy. His playing time was down, but Millsap remained a solid veteran presence on both sides of the floor.

What Do You Remember Most About Millsap?

Millsap is a stat-stuffer and defensive stalwart who will be remembered for his consistent production.

Throughout his career, Millsap was always versatile. He could score in the paint, protect the rim, and rebound, all of which were qualities that were characteristic of his game. The latter half of his career also saw Millsap add a reliable three-point shot to his game, making him that much more valuable to teams during his time with the Hawks and Nuggets.