Paul Millsap

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Millsap's time in Denver began on July 13, 2017, when he signed a three-year, $90 million deal. His debut came on October 18, 2017, scoring 19 points in a 106–96 loss to his former team, the Utah Jazz. The season took a dramatic turn on November 21, 2017, when he was ruled out indefinitely following a left wrist injury that required successful reconstructive surgery five days later. He returned on February 27, 2018, against the Los Angeles Clippers, recording nine points and seven rebounds in 23½ minutes. By March 30, 2018, he was back to form, scoring a season-high 36 points in an overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. His resilience continued into the next season; on December 3, 2018, he earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors, becoming only the 18th player in franchise history to win the award. Just four days later, a broken toe against the Charlotte Hornets cost him eight games, yet he returned to post season highs of 25 points on February 13, 2019, and 33 points on March 14, 2019.

In Their Own Story

The 2020 NBA Bubble presented a unique chapter in Millsap's Denver career. As players were allowed to display personal statements on their jerseys to support the Black Lives Matter movement, Millsap chose 'Vote.' Given his jersey number 4, this ironically appeared as 'Vote 4 Millsap,' a pun that quickly caught viral attention. Despite slightly declining production during the playoffs, he retained his starting spot in the rotation. His leadership was instrumental as the Nuggets reached the Conference Finals for the third time in his career, ultimately falling to the eventual NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. This run solidified his legacy in Denver as a veteran leader who could adapt his game and inspire teammates through adversity. On December 3, 2020, Millsap re-signed with the Nuggets on a reported one-year deal worth $10 million, continuing his commitment to the franchise until he moved on to other teams in subsequent seasons.

Reader's Guide

Millsap's journey with the Nuggets highlights a player who transitioned from an All-Star scorer to a versatile starter capable of winning Player of the Week awards. His career in Denver was defined by overcoming significant injuries, including a wrist surgery that sidelined him for months and a broken toe that cost him eight games. Fans can track his specific milestones: scoring 36 points against Oklahoma City on March 30, 2018; earning Western Conference Player of the Week on December 3, 2018; and reaching the 2020 Western Conference Finals. His adaptability was key, as he maintained a starting role despite physical setbacks. The 'Vote 4 Millsap' moment remains a defining cultural touchstone of his tenure, showcasing his ability to blend basketball excellence with social awareness. He departed Denver after the 2020-21 season before moving to the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

Did You Know?

• Millsap's jersey number 4 combined with his 'Vote' statement created the viral pun 'Vote 4 Millsap' during the 2020 NBA Bubble.
• He underwent successful reconstructive surgery on his left wrist in November 2017, missing several months before returning to play against the Los Angeles Clippers.
• On March 30, 2018, he scored a season-high 36 points to help the Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 126–125 in overtime.
• He became the 18th player in Denver Nuggets franchise history to win the Western Conference Player of the Week award on December 3, 2018.