Every NBA team’s MVP, from Kevin Durant to LeBron James
By Tom West
Atlanta Hawks: Paul Millsap
How do you choose the MVP of a team who were historically rewarded with four All-Stars last season for their great team play and overall selfless basketball? Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, Al Horford and Paul Millsap all made the All-Star game, as the Hawks took flight and eventually topped the Eastern Conference with 60 wins.
When a single team has four All-Stars, it’s obvious they don’t just rely on one or two players. The Hawks used good rotations and help defense with stellar ball movement and selfless play on offense to emerge as a top team, and that style of play makes it harder to choose one player as the MVP. However, with the season Millsap is currently having, and his value on both offense and defense, he looks like the Hawks’ top player right now.
Rather than just continuing as the Hawks’ leading scorer and defending the perimeter well as always, Millsap has taken his game to another level this year. With significantly improved career-highs in points (18.2), rebounds (9.5), assists (3.5), steals (1.9), and blocks per game (1.2), and even PER (23.4), it’s hard to believe Millsap has made such strides forward in all aspects of his performance. From his footwork and spin moves when attacking the basket, to his tireless presence in passing lanes to come up with steals and fast break opportunities on defense, he’s doing everything he usually does for the Hawks at an even higher level.
No, nothing can ever be decided solely on numbers, but as the player who leads the team in both offensive and defensive rating, it’s clear that Millsap has a major impact in all aspects of the game. Of course, it’s hard to choose one player on a team that relies on everyone doing their part, yet the elevated play of Millsap gives him the edge over others.
Next: Miami Heat