The Utah Jazz had an interesting 72 hours. Over the last three days, they’ve acquired a litany of expiring contracts, lost starting center Al Jefferson to the Charlotte Bobcats, and finally, power forward Paul Millsap made his departure by following Jefferson out east to sign a two-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for $19 million. Going the efficient route is exactly what you’d expect out of Popovich’s pupils Danny Ferry and Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer.
Since getting drafted in the second round of the 2006 Draft, Millsap has developed into one of the more efficacious forwards in the league. Millsap probably won’t be a 20-10 guy in the league, but he could be one half of an imposing but undersized frontcourt in Atlanta alongside Al Horford. I’m not sure he’s of All-Star caliber as some have opined, but he may be a better fit than former Hawk Josh Smith. He won’t make any highlight reels or elevate for high-flying putbacks, but he knows his limitations. Millsap attempted 140 fewer frustrating treys than Smith did last season and always seems to make the right play.
Simply put, he's a boring acquisition and the reaction in Atlanta will be muted. Pop would be proud.
