Paul Millsap cashed in a pull-up jumper from behind the arc.
Jerami Grant, seated under the scorer’s table inside the Pepsi Center prepared to check, flashed three fingers on each hand.
Seconds later from the quarter of the Nuggets’ preseason finale Thursday night against the Blazers, there was a frontcourt substitution emblematic of a larger shift over the team this year. If Denver meet expectations and make a run toward a Western Conference title, its own power responsibilities will be split with success between an odd bunch of sorts stout and limber, strength and speed… Millsap along with Grant.
“We’re 2 entirely different players with the same mindset,” Millsap explained. “We both want to acquire. ”
Joe Mahoney, The Associated PressPortland Trail Blazers shield Kent Bazemore (24) defends Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) from the first half of a preseason game in Denver, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019.
Millsap, 34, is in the final year of the Nuggets contract and also on pace to play with in his 1,000th NBA game this year. The four-time All-star is an elite scoring threat, but he finishes well around the rim and can hold his own physically. Perhaps the most valued advantage of Millsap’s game is his direction since the established veteran on the team who has deep postseason experience.
The Nuggets exchanged for Grant, 25, that offseason after he had a career-best year using the Thunder, scoring 13.6 points a game and shooting 39 percent from 3-point variety. A combination of quickness and length in the 6-foot-8 and 214 pounds aided result in 1.3 blocks and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Denver considers Grant’s play is to emerge as the replacement for Millsap as the regular starting power. Nevertheless, they offer balance to the Nuggets’ frontcourt.
Coach Michael Malone stated there will be times this year when the two are on the floor together.
“We have two excellent defensive players,” Malone explained. “A wonderful nose to the ball, excellent hands, excellent instincts. … They both bring a lot to the table. And the wonderful thing about having Jerami is that you don’t even feel as if you have to play with Paul Millsap 35 minutes every night for 82 games. It’s going to be a long season for people, therefore having a guy like Jerami, you can kind of talk that burden. It’will be somewhat beneficial for the two of them. ”
Grant showcased chemistry with the next unit in Denver’s exhibition game last week in Phoenix with 22 points on 6-of-8 shooting along with three steals. Malone lauded the fast transition “If you simply watched us I don’t even believe you’d ever feel that Jerami Grant just got here. ”
Joe Mahoney, The Associated PressDenver Nuggets ahead Jerami Grant (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Anthony Tolliver (43) and Trail Blazers forward Skal Labissiere (17) from the first half of a preseason game in Denver, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019.
A number of the credit goes back to Millsap’s mentorship.
“He’s doing a excellent job of teaching me that the crime and teaching me the areas where we can be ”” Grant stated. “On the defensive end, working on stuff and coverage like that. … I’m learning from him right now. Anything I will pick up , I’m trying to. ”
A lot of the hype surrounding Denver entering its own regular-season opener Wednesday in Portland revolves around a young core behind All-Stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, although Millsap finished what Malone called one of his very “efficient” training camps. After resting Monday against the Suns, Millsap returned Thursday vs. the Blazers and had 13 points, two rebounds and 2 steals — all from the first half.
“Paul is a massive factor for us — that which he brings to us on his rebounding the defensive end, along with also his ability to score at the post and make plays off the dribble,” Malone stated.
Millsap starts his 14th NBA season with qualifications most players will envy. But a 2015 excursion to the Eastern Conference finals with the Hawks represents his deepest postseason run.
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Accepting a pseudo-teaching part with Grant — that the player acquired to replace him is made easier with the comprehension of what it takes to win a championship this year.
Millsap’s window of opportunity is final. Pairing with Grant might be what takes Denver over the surface.
“This group right here that is the group to assist me do itbut it doesn’however,” Millsap stated. “I don’t even know where I’m at in my profession and I don’t really keep tabs on that care about that. I’m living in the moment and trying to get better. ”
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