Draftexpress - Millsap article

[JazzJuice]

I found this generous write up on Millsap that I thought was worth sharing...
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Scouting-Reports-Filling-in-the-Blanks--Power-Forwards-Part-1--3305/

NBA Scouting Reports: Filling in the Blanks- Power Forwards (Part 1)

by: Jonathan Givony - President, Matt Kamalsky
August 25, 2009
With these scouting reports, we take a look at players moving into their fourth year in the NBA as well as some others that gained experience elsewhere before coming to the NBA. As we found when we identified which players from the 2005 draft were still in the NBA, the trajectory of a players career is often unpredictable, which is why we opted to wait until these players were transitioning out of their rookie contracts to gauge their progress.

Paul Millsap

Overview Steadily improving young big man who had a breakout season in 08-09, establishing himself as a legit cornerstone of the Utah Jazz. Extremely undersized for a power forward at just 6-6 without shoes, but has a nice 7-1 wingspan and a strong frame which helps compensate. Incredibly tough, aggressive player who finds a way to be productive. A crowd favorite thanks to the tenacity with which he plays. A complementary offensive player who understands his role extremely well and is very efficient. Made a name for himself first and foremost thanks to his rebounding skills, leading the NCAA in that category for three straight seasons. Not all that heralded coming out of high school, but still could have played for a high-major school should he have chose to. Decided to stay close to home at Louisiana Tech, thanks in large part to a family connection on the coaching staff. Left school a year early, but somehow slipped to the middle of the second round due to concerns about his size and potential weight issues. Immediately looked like a huge steal for the Jazz, leading them to lock him up on a three year rookie contract. Dedicated himself to maximizing his conditioning-level and improved his athleticism considerably. Had a breakout season on the last year of his deal, but was unable to secure a market-value contract due to his restricted free agent status. Signed an incredibly affordable deal with the Portland Trailblazers, which was matched without hesitation by the Jazz. Will be asked to transition into a bigger role once Carlos Boozer is traded or leaves in free agency next summer.

Offense: A role-player who doesn’t need plays called for him, and still manages to be extremely productive. Gets most of his offense by moving off the ball, crashing the offensive glass, and running the floor in transition. Shoots a very high percentage from the field, as he appears to understand his role extremely well and plays to his strengths in a major way. Sets terrific screens and then aggressively dives to the rim, often being rewarded for his efforts by his unselfish teammates, particularly Deron Williams, who he has great chemistry with. Has excellent hands and finishes extremely well around the basket due to his smarts, terrific touch, body control, and ability to use both hands effectively. Runs the floor harder than anyone, often beating opponents down the court through sheer effort. Gets to the free throw line at a very good rate, and converts nearly 70% of his attempts once there. Not a masterful ball-handler, but a rapidly improving one. Shows flashes of potential with the ball from time to time, leading you to believe that he could become a very effective option to isolation facing the basket. Has a very quick first step and likes to spin and pivot sharply on his way to the rim. Will post on the block occasionally, but not isn't quite as effective in this area. Doesn’t possess a tremendous skill-level at this point, and tends to get blocked more than you might hope at the rim. Not a high-flyer, gets by more-so with his smarts and aggressiveness. Beginning to expand the range of his jump-shot. Can make a 17-foot jumper every now and again, but still needs to continue to work on this part of his game. Rushes his shot, doesn’t always set his feet, and appears to just fling the ball at the basket. Unselfish player who has improved his feel for how to operate in a half-court offense under Jerry Sloan’s tutelage. Posts a positive assist to turnover ratio, and has gradually made strides in this area year by year. Tremendous offensive rebounder.

Defense: Very aggressive defender who puts a lot of effort in and takes pride in his play. Defends both the 4 and the 5 spots in Utah, which can lead to some mismatches. Not afraid to stick his nose in and take a charge. Has good lateral quickness and is effective stepping out and hedging screens. Could still stand to improve his perimeter defense. Will get caught flat-footed at times against quicker face-up power forwards. Struggles at times when being posted up by bigger power forwards or traditional centers, doesn’t always have the size or the girth to push them off the block and contest their shots. Not going to give in without a fight though. Seems to lose his focus from time to time and get lost within his team’s defensive scheme. Will come up with the occasional steal and block, but isn’t a real stat-stuffer in either category. Very good defensive rebounder, though. Traditionally very foul prone because of how hard he competes, but has learned to cut down on the amount of fouls he commits recently. Has room to continue to improve on this end of the floor.

[StocktonShorts]

I'm impressed by that write-up. That's a very accurate scouting report.

[GP]

That was a very accurate description of Millsap. There wasn't anything in there I would disagree with.

[jazzfan1971]

Yeah. Didn't mention how he wore down as the season went on, or how teams played him better the 2nd time around.

But, other than that, not a bad piece.

[Soul Patch]

Also forgot to mention that he was playing through injuries on both knees.

[jazzfan1971]

wearing down = knee injuries.

[QuantumMacgyver]

The knee injuries were not a result of Millsap wearing down. At least not both of them. The first came at the end of December against Dallas I believe. So unless Millsap was already worn down two months into the season, and around one month of replacing Boozer, the first knee injury was not due to Millsap wearing down. Anyone who saw Millsap sustain that first knee injury would never say that it was a result of him being worn out. Millsaps injury was no more a fatigue injury than Derons ankle. Just plain bad luck. Boozer would've missed 40 games with Millsap's injury... oh wait, he did. Millsap came back less than 2 quarters later. Rather a more likely scenario is that Millsap wore out because of his knee injuries, not the other way around.

[jazzfan1971]

Ok, worn down due to injuries.

[Jazztastico]

The knee injuries were not a result of Millsap wearing down. At least not both of them. The first came at the end of December against Dallas I believe. So unless Millsap was already worn down two months into the season, and around one month of replacing Boozer, the first knee injury was not due to Millsap wearing down. Anyone who saw Millsap sustain that first knee injury would never say that it was a result of him being worn out. Millsaps injury was no more a fatigue injury than Derons ankle. Just plain bad luck. Boozer would've missed 40 games with Millsap's injury... oh wait, he did. Millsap came back less than 2 quarters later. Rather a more likely scenario is that Millsap wore out because of his knee injuries, not the other way around.

Yeah when he hyperextended it in Milwaukkee and still came back for the second half. He wore down simply because he played through that, which is understandable.

wasnt the second one a bone bruise..2 freak accidents, not his fault at all

and 6'6 without shoes! wow

[Millsap_24]

Only if Boozer had some defensive ability...