4. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks found themselves in a difficult situation during the offseason. Should they shell out nearly $60 million for Paul Millsap? Or could they risk losing one of the NBA’s most versatile players over a few extra millions?
DeMarre Carroll’s departure influenced the decision, but the team couldn’t afford to see Millsap leave. Last year, he registered 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 steals (ninth in the league), 0.9 blocks, a 109 offensive rating and a 99.2 defensive rating (also ninth). That type of player isn’t easily replaced.
Atlanta needs Thabo Sefolosha to become the lockdown defender he once was, lest Millsap be forced to guard the best perimeter weapon another team has to offer. But as long as Millsap as able to focus on his offensive game, there aren’t many defenders who can completely silence him from contributing as a scorer, passer or both.