The power
There’s a reason why I nearly named Thaddeus Young The Brooklyn Game’s MVP after the regular season. The team flipped the proverbial switch once Young was integrated into the starting lineup after the trade deadline: his presence opened the paint for Brook Lopez in a way Kevin Garnett never could, and he’s made up for the loss of Garnett’s voice with a crafty offensive game and some disruptive defensive plays.
But after seasons languishing in Utah in a tough Western Conference, Paul Millsap finally got his due as an All-Star in each of his first two seasons in Utah. Millsap is Moreyball in Atlanta, taking most of his shots in the paint or from three-point range, rebounding at a solid rate for a power forward, and only developing his outside shot after signing with the Hawks.
Millsap may not be healthy after injuring his shoulder in the Hawks’ blowout win over the Nets on April 4th. He missed five games and only coming back for the last game of the season, when he missed seven of nine shots. Young should give him a challenge, but if he’s healthy, Millsap has just too many weapons in his offensive arsenal.
Edge: Hawks
