Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

NBA All Star 2016: Paul Millsap the Atlanta Hawk flying solo in Toronto

Tom Sheen
Wednesday 10 February 2016 17:16 GMT
Comments

A year ago, the Atlanta Hawks were rolling on their way to the best season in the franchise's 67-year history.

Under coach Mike Budenholzer, the Hawks would post their first ever 60-win season and finish first in the Eastern Conference.

When All-Star weekend came, four of their five starters were named to the team and there were serious thoughts that the Hawks would make some post-season noise.

But then, just weeks before the play-offs started, disaster struck in New York City when defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha had his leg broken by the NYPD (he is currently suing for millions).

Injuries to DeMarre Carroll, the team's best stopper, expert shooter Kyle Korver and do-it-all big man Al Horford in the play-offs saw them swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Finals.

In the summer Carroll left for big money, joining the Toronto Raptors, Korver suffered with his shot after elbow surgery and point guard Mike Teague regressed.

This season they have won just 30 of their 54 matches and if they continue at this pace they will finish the season on 45 wins, 15 fewer than last season. Things have improved recently, but one man has been his old steady self all season.

Paul Millsap.

Paul Millsap lays in a basket

The power forward, 30, is the Hawks' sole All-Star this season and is having the best season of his career. He's posting improved shooting, rebounding, passing and defensive numbers compared to last season.

"[Getting back to the All-Star Game] means a lot," he said. "It’s always good to be a part of something like that and to know that all the hard work you put in pays off. And it’s definitely good to get back there and play with some of the best competition in the world.

“It does [feel different]. I’m not there with three other team-mates, so it definitely feels a bit different. It’s always good to have team-mates there with you to share that moment."

Millsap thinks his third consecutive selection shows how his game has improved to be consistently excellent.

"I just want to be a consistent player, regardless of whether I get to the All-Star Game or not. You want to go out there every night and prove you can play in this league, and that’s what I try to do."

However, Millsap does see himself returning with more Hawks next year.

"Absolutely. We have a lot of players who are capable of being at the game and at that level. It sucks that we won’t have anybody else there this year but the future for this team is great."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in