Millsap: Starting SF?

[Fez Hammersticks]

Ok, they didn't say what position but it's the only logical choice as there is noway he starts over LMA/Oden.

"From what they tell us, Paul is potentially a starter on this team," Vartanian said. "They're looking to go small-ball, because they have such a young, athletic team."

Besides, Simmons suggested, Millsap's high-hustle game translate to multiple positions, from small forward to center — and it isn't just limited to rebounding, his specialty, and cleanup points.

"He's a ballplayer, just straight ballplayer," he said. "He can do a lot of things, has a lot of tools, and he fits in with anybody. He's not a guy who dominates, so he doesn't have to have plays run for him, as we've seen in Utah

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His combine numbers are very similar to other SF's such as Webster and Deng. He can hit the mid-range jumper but does he have the ballhandling skills?

 

[PapaG]

Umm...

NO

 

[Tince]

Ok, they didn't say what position but it's the only logical choice as there is noway he starts over LMA/Oden.

LINK​

His combine numbers are very similar to other SF's such as Webster and Deng. He can hit the mid-range jumper but does he have the ballhandling skills?

If you read the entire quote, it would be clear his agent is implying he would start at PF and either LMA or Oden would be the center.

I don't know how starting him at SF would be considered going "small" as you quoted.

 

[alex42083]

I sure liked it a lot more when Millsap's agent was telling people that his client would be happy coming off the bench and backing up LA.

 

[Draco]

No I don't see it.

They might pair LA and Paul at the forward spots for a few minutes a game depending on matchups, I'd argue LA would be more of the SF, but maybe Paul would guard some SF at rare times. But having a squad with that much inside presence is a waste and redundant, while lacking ball handling, agility, shooting and slashing.

Take a look at a list of the 30 NBA starting SF's, how many do you think Millsap could stay in front of?

 

[PapaG]

It's simple. If Utah doesn't match, LMA won't be extended and is trade bait.

 

[Tince]

It's simple. If Utah doesn't match, LMA won't be extended and is trade bait.

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic, but I'm assuming you are.

 

[BengalDuck]

They could run a lineup with Rudy, Roy, Millsap, Aldridge, and Oden a few minutes a game, play zone, and rebound the shit out of the ball.

But PM would not be a starting SF on our team. His game does not suit that position in the current league.

 

[BBert]

The only way Millsap starts is if LaMarcus starts at center instead of PF. The only way that happens is if we trade Joel and Oden is injured. And that's not going to happen.

 

[BlazersBlood]

Lamarcus would slide to SF before Millsap since his range is much deeper. The main problem is that LA can't really handle the ball all that well.

 

[superfly4201]

Lamarcus would slide to SF before Millsap since his range is much deeper. The main problem is that LA can't really handle the ball all that well.

neither does Outlaw

 

[magnumpi]

Oden may be one of the greatest. Oden may be just OK. Oden may be a bust. The only way you will find out is letting him develop. that may be one, two or three years.

magnumpi

 

[Webster's Dictionary]

Lamarcus said he played some point guard in high school. I think he's pretty rusty and is taller now, but I really think that he could play extended minutes at the 3 (meaning 10 a game). Sheed did it and it worked. Sheed and LA have very similar games. LA just doesn't have the 3 point range. I think LA can guard SFs adequately enough. If we get Milsap I would be thrilled to be able to see it on the court and see if it works.

 

[Minstrel]

Lamarcus said he played some point guard in high school. I think he's pretty rusty and is taller now, but I really think that he could play extended minutes at the 3 (meaning 10 a game). Sheed did it and it worked. Sheed and LA have very similar games. LA just doesn't have the 3 point range. I think LA can guard SFs adequately enough. If we get Milsap I would be thrilled to be able to see it on the court and see if it works.

Conceptually, in certain, specific situations, it would be fun to see a BIG lineup like:

PG: Nicolas Batum
SG: Brandon Roy
SF: LaMarcus Aldridge
PF: Paul Millsap
C: Greg Oden

Obviously, there can't be a waterbug on the floor for the other team nor can there be a high-level slashing small forward. But there are plenty of times that both those conditions are met, over the course of the season. The defense and rebounding of that lineup would be incredible. Aldridge can continue to work the high post, Oden the low post and Roy slash and create.