Just when the Denver Nuggets thought they could make a run for the playoff spot in a loaded Western Conference, their star forward Paul Millsap suffered a wrist injury. The team announced on Monday that Millsap underwent a successful surgery but didn’t give an exact timetable for his return.
On the other hand, sources close to the club have said to Shams Charania of The Vertical that Millsap is expected to be sidelined for three months.
Sources: Denver All-Star Paul Millsap underwent successful surgery on his left wrist today and is expected to be sidelined three months.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2017
Millsap injured his wrist in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 19 and hasn’t played since, but there was some hope that he could be back soon. Nuggets were exploring various options, trying to avoid the surgery, but failed to find any.
Previously playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Paul Millsap joined the Denver Nuggets in the offseason as a free agent, signing a three-year, $90 million contract. The idea was to provide help to their emerging star center Nikola Jokic, while also having a veteran on the team who will provide leadership to the younger players.
“Paul fits with the culture we’re trying to create,” said the Nuggets head coach Michael Malone about Millsap. “When you have a locker room filled with so many young players, to add Paul, his experience, and veteran leadership, it’s a win-win for everybody.“
The 32-year power forward lived up to the expectations in his first 16 games for the team, averaging 15.3 points, 3.1 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
With Millsap out, the Nuggets have turned to Kenneth Faried as a starting power forward, while Juancho Hernangomez and Trey Lyles also saw an increased role.
Denver Nuggets are 2-1 since Millsap’s injury and are currently sitting in the sixth place of the Western Conference with 11-8 record. They play their next game on Wednesday when they will face the Utah Jazz.
