Boston Celtics: Breaking down why Cs should pursue Paul Millsap

The good and the bad of Paul Millsap’s defense

The most significant dilemma that stands between the Boston Celtics and good power forward depth is defense.

Jabari Parker has been a notorious negative on defense throughout his career, and Grant Williams has yet to display his ability to be an impactful defender when he’s not playing center.

Their lack of versatility and overall capacity is why the Cs should pursue Millsap because he provides both.

Millsap is an excellent low-minute team defender that plays in passing lanes, is a willing help-side rim protector, and is always in the correct position to make a play. He can provide solid positional versatility when he’s not playing off-ball and is an excellent pick-and-roll defender.

The power forward moves his feet, has active hands, and has good anticipation skills when facing crafty ball-handlers. Ime Udoka will be grateful for Millsap’s high level of discipline on the defensive end.

However, Millsap is far from the defender he was six years ago.

His motor is limited, leading to his minute count of 20 minutes per game last season with the Denver Nuggets.

The Boston Celtics mustn’t stress Millsap too much on the defensive end before he starts giving up buckets due to fatigue. Millsap can’t keep up with quicker guards like he used to and lacks overall recovery speed outside of his load limitations.

The Boston Celtics should pursue Millsap this offseason as he and the Nuggets are likely to part ways. Millsap gives them much-needed production on both ends of the court and, at 36 years old, is unlikely to demand anything more than a veteran minimum in contract negotiations.