In the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, Philadelphia lost 103-119 to the Heat, trailing 0-2 on aggregate. Philadelphia veteran Millsap was once again abandoned after not getting playing time.
In the last game, Millsap also got just 5 minutes and 38 seconds to play. After Embiid injured the tight inside line, Philadelphia City coach Rivers gave Millsap, who had not been on the court for a long time, some chances in the game that was also relatively early to divide the suspense. At the time, Millsap did not shoot or score, contributing 1 rebound and 1 assist.
This is an opportunity that Millsap has not been given for a long time. It was also his first playoff appearance for Philadelphia this season.
Before the playoffs, Millsap didn't actually get Rivers' endorsement either. Throughout the regular season, he played in only nine games for Philadelphia, averaging 11.8 minutes per game. Late in the season, he was largely forgotten and had few opportunities to play.
This is Millsap's situation. The former four-time All-Star, 2016 Defensive Team Of the Year (Second Team) player has become particularly at a height disadvantage as he ages and his athleticism declines. The 2.01m tall is not enough to play the big forward, and although three-point shooting has been added over the years, his projection is not stable.
Millsap, whose contract expired, left the Nuggets last summer, when there were plenty of teams hoping to get him. In addition to the Nets who eventually signed him, there are many teams such as James's Lakers and Curry's Warriors who are willing to bring him in. Of course, their premise is that Millsap can only get a very low salary, and with Millsap's competitive state, it is indeed difficult to get a high contract.
In the end, he chose the Nets, choosing to fight alongside Durant, Irving and Harden at that time. The reason why he chose so much is obviously that he is optimistic that the Nets can win the championship, and his characteristics can be reused in an offensive team.
Contrary to expectations, the Nets' Big Three eventually disintegrated, and Millsap did not get Nash's approval. The Nets are an offensive team, but the inside line is often a coolie, and you need to fight the defense first, but this is Millsap's disadvantage. Eventually, he fell out of the Nets rotation early and was traded to Philadelphia alongside Harden when harden traded.
However, after joining Philadelphia, Millsap still did not receive recognition. Until now it has been forgotten.
Millsap doesn't mind anymore, as this is the norm. With Philadelphia trailing 2-0 and Embiidchamp uncertain when he will return, Millsap may also be able to think ahead about his offseason, because even if Philadelphia can turn the tables, in his current situation, it will be difficult to have another chance.