Four-time All-Star Paul Millsap has officially retired from the NBA after 16 seasons. The 6-foot-7 power forward defined a transition in the way basketball was played in the NBA, as a big man who could shoot threes. He ends his basketball journey as one of eight players who recorded 500 three-pointers, 1,000 blocks, and 1,000 steals.
Paul Millsap Retirement Announcement
After 16 NBA seasons, four-time All-Star Paul Millsap has retired from basketball. Millsap, the No. 47 pick in the 2006 NBA draft, spent his career with the Jazz, Hawks, Nuggets, Nets and 76ers. One of eight players all-time with 500 3-pointers, 1,000 blocks and 1,000 steals. pic.twitter.com/gftfvGHgnf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 3, 2024
Paul Millsap confirmed the announcement, updating his Instagram bio to read “Ex-NBA” and signaling the end of his basketball career. Unforgettable moments and sustained excellence defined Paul Millsap’s 16-year career in the NBA. The most iconic of his performances came in 2010 against the Miami Heat, when he scored 46 points, including 11 in the final 28.7 seconds of regulation to force overtime. His clutch three-pointers and game-tying put-back sealed the Utah Jazz’s improbable comeback win and showcased Millsap’s resilience and ability to shine under pressure.
He was an All-Star four times and was the key figure in the Hawks’ success during his stint with Atlanta. Millsap helped lead the 2014-15 Hawks to 60 wins and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals while averaging 16.7 points and 7.8 rebounds. Millsap had built a reputation for being a multi-dimensional defender and blended the new wave of deep shooting ability with classic power forward play.
Millsap’s Evolution
Paul Millsap’s evolution as a player mirrored the NBA’s transformation during his career, transitioning from a league dominated by traditional post-play to one increasingly defined by three-point shooting and versatility. Early in his career with the Utah Jazz, Millsap thrived as an undersized power forward, relying on rebounding, scoring efficiency, and defensive prowess to carve out a role. By the end of his seven-year tenure in Utah, he had established himself as a key contributor, ranking in the franchise’s top 10 in rebounds, steals, blocks, and win shares, while setting the stage for the next phase of his career.
After signing with the Atlanta Hawks in 2013, Millsap adapted to the new NBA by expanding his offense, including a reliable three-point shot. The evolution enabled him to make four straight All-Star appearances and lead Atlanta to the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals. In a way, the ability to bridge the gap between traditional power forward play and the modern stretch-four archetype extended his career while showcasing his adaptability to the rapidly changing league.
Final Thoughts
Paul Millsap’s retirement officially closes the curtain on one of the most unbelievable stories of one of the most underrated players of his generation, from second-round pick to four-time All-Star. It was a 16-year career defined by consistency, versatility, and hard work. His ability to change and evolve his game in the latter part of his career personifies the resilience and professionalism he had become so loved for in the league.
As he steps away from basketball, Millsap leaves behind a legacy as one of the most successful second-round picks in NBA history. Be it clutch performances, defensive tenacity, or quiet leadership, he left an indelible mark on every team he played for. His contributions to the game will be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike, and his story serves as an inspiration for future players striving to overcome the odds.
