Paul Millsap Can Serve As Cautionary Tale For Jazz Rebuild

Dec 3, 2024, 4:01 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – Paul Millsap announced his retirement on Tuesday, and his story should serve as a cautionary tale for the Utah Jazz.

Millsap spent the first seven years of his career in Utah, and despite consistent production, the Jazz opted to move off the forward in favor of younger players with perceived higher potential.

Related: Paul Millsap Retires After 16-Year NBA Career

Jazz Must Avoid Repeating Paul Millsap Mistake

After being selected in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, Millsap averaged 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 540 appearances, including four trips to the playoffs.

Over his final three seasons with the Jazz, his averages climbed to 16.1 points and 7.8 rebounds, while adding 1.5 steals per game as a full-time starter.

But in the post-Deron Williams era of the organization, the Jazz faced a crossroads – should they continue to play Millsap, or hand the keys to the rebuilding franchise over to young big men Derrick Favors and Enes Freedom (nee Kanter)?

The Jazz chose the latter, and it would go on to haunt them.

In 2013, Millsap signed with Atlanta on a paltry two-year, $19 million contract where his career took off, making four consecutive All-Star teams as a member of the Hawks.

Favors assumed much of Millsap’s production in Utah, but never matched the same success the former Jazzman found in Atlanta. Freedom, meanwhile, asked to be traded within two seasons.

The Jazz currently face a similar conundrum with guard Collin Sexton.

Like Millsap, Sexton, age 26, is older than the main pieces in the Jazz’s current rebuild.

Despite the imperfect timeline, Sexton’s production is unquestionable, as is his heart.

Both Millsap and Sexton are renowned for their competitiveness, regardless of the circumstances around them.

And yet, when discussing the future of the organization, Sexton is routinely overlooked in favor of the Jazz’s younger prospects.

Keyonte George might one day be as good as this version of Collin Sexton. If everything comes together in his development, he may even be better.

The same could be said about whichever player the Jazz select in this year’s draft, assuming the team lands another top-ten pick.

But might is a dangerous game to play in the NBA, especially when talking about development versus proven production.

And, who’s to say that Sexton might not have even more to offer the Jazz with added responsibility on the team?

The Jazz value Sexton, and by all accounts, haven’t overlooked him as a potential long-term asset for the organization.

With a youth movement fully underway, they should be cautious not to repeat the mistakes of the past, and let the next Millsap slip through their fingers.

Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Dylan Guenther Doubles Utah’s Lead With Power Play Goal Vs Washington

With a back-to-back, there is always the worry of fatigue, but the Utah Hockey Club dashed those concerns with two goals on their first two shots, less than two minutes into the game.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Hockey Club Scores Three Goals In Wild First Period Versus Capitals

With a back-to-back, there is always the worry of fatigue, but the Utah Hockey Club dashed those concerns with two goals on their first two shots, less than two minutes into the game.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Hockey Club Vs. Washington Capitals: Live Updates And Analysis

The Utah Hockey Club is facing off against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, getting Super Bowl Sunday started with some early morning hockey in the Nation's Capital.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Undersized Jazz Struggle In 130-110 Loss To Clippers

The James Harden-led Los Angeles Clippers proved too much to handle for the shorthanded Utah Jazz in Saturday's 130-110 blowout loss.

14 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Clippers Pull Away In Fourth To Sink Jazz

LOS ANGELES, California - Utah stayed close most of the night but couldn't overcome the Clippers fourth-quarter dominance in a 130-110 loss.

16 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

AJ Dybantsa Had Memorable Prep Battle Against Future Big 12 Foe

BYU basketball signee faced a future Kansas Jayhawk in a high school game.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Paul Millsap Can Serve As Cautionary Tale For Jazz Rebuild