Memphis, Tenn. • Paul Millsap has spent his entire six-year career with the Jazz.
If everything between Millsap and Utah continues to work out, the steadily improving power forward wants to extend his stay in Salt Lake City.
Photos
* Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap (24) tries to shoot around New Orleans Hornets small forward Al-Farouq Aminu (0) and center Chris Kaman in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, April 13, 2012. The Hornets won 96-85. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Millsap said Saturday he’s open to signing a long-term extension with the Jazz this summer.
His contract with Utah expires at the end of the 2012-13 season.
"It’s [the] team that drafted me. I’d love to finish my career here. But if it don’t work out, so be it," said Millsap, prior to the Jazz’s 103-98 loss to the Grizzlies.
The No. 47 overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft entered Saturday ranked second on the Jazz in average points (16.6), rebounds (8.7) and minutes (32.2). Millsap, 27, has missed only one game this season and has started the other 60. He ranks fourth in the NBA in average steals (1.78), has improved everything from his ballhandling to his defense, and rivals Al Jefferson as Utah’s MVP in a lockout-shortened campaign.
Despite being willing to slide down from power forward to small forward and continuing to improve his overall attack, Millsap is aware he faces an uncertain future with the Jazz. Backup power forward Derrick Favors, 20, entered Saturday averaging 8.6 points and 6.4 rebounds, and he’s recorded a double-double in four of five games.
Utah will have to make a decision about Devin Harris, Raja Bell, Al Jefferson and Millsap — four regular starters who hold expiring contracts next season.
Millsap understands his situation and said he’ll continue to do what he’s always done: control what he can control, while letting the business side of the game take care of itself.
"Certain stuff’s out of your hands," Millsap said. "Get out there and play basketball. You’re paid to play basketball; get out there and do my job."
If everything between Millsap and Utah continues to work out, the steadily improving power forward wants to extend his stay in Salt Lake City.
Photos
* Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap (24) tries to shoot around New Orleans Hornets small forward Al-Farouq Aminu (0) and center Chris Kaman in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, April 13, 2012. The Hornets won 96-85. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Join the Discussion
Post a Comment
Read All Comments (16)
Millsap said Saturday he’s open to signing a long-term extension with the Jazz this summer.
His contract with Utah expires at the end of the 2012-13 season.
"It’s [the] team that drafted me. I’d love to finish my career here. But if it don’t work out, so be it," said Millsap, prior to the Jazz’s 103-98 loss to the Grizzlies.
The No. 47 overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft entered Saturday ranked second on the Jazz in average points (16.6), rebounds (8.7) and minutes (32.2). Millsap, 27, has missed only one game this season and has started the other 60. He ranks fourth in the NBA in average steals (1.78), has improved everything from his ballhandling to his defense, and rivals Al Jefferson as Utah’s MVP in a lockout-shortened campaign.
Despite being willing to slide down from power forward to small forward and continuing to improve his overall attack, Millsap is aware he faces an uncertain future with the Jazz. Backup power forward Derrick Favors, 20, entered Saturday averaging 8.6 points and 6.4 rebounds, and he’s recorded a double-double in four of five games.
Utah will have to make a decision about Devin Harris, Raja Bell, Al Jefferson and Millsap — four regular starters who hold expiring contracts next season.
Millsap understands his situation and said he’ll continue to do what he’s always done: control what he can control, while letting the business side of the game take care of itself.
"Certain stuff’s out of your hands," Millsap said. "Get out there and play basketball. You’re paid to play basketball; get out there and do my job."
