Signing Paul Millsap isn’t that bad of an idea

Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) signs autographs before a game against the Washington Wizards in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) signs autographs before a game against the Washington Wizards in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is attended to after being fouled by San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The San Antonio Spurs won 105-97. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is attended to after being fouled by San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The San Antonio Spurs won 105-97. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Millsap is generally healthy

Millsap is also a relatively injury-free player, unlike potential free agent Blake Griffin. He did miss a little time late last season because of tightness in his left knee, but an MRI found that it was “clean” and he needed only a non-surgical procedure to get back on the court. He played in all six first round playoff games against the Washington Wizards, logging extended minutes and playing statistically very well.

There is little acquired risk in injuries that would potentially make his signing an over-priced bust like Blake Griffin signing might be – although there is always that general risk of a player tearing or breaking something in the general motion of the game, a situation that could literally arise for anyone, at any time.

Certainly a long-term injury would be something the team and the Valley of the Suns as a whole might be fearful of, but at only 32 this summer, Paul Millsap is still not old enough (in basketball years) that teams sincerely begin to fear that he might break down.