The Size of the Fight in the Dog

Posted by Johnathan Kendrick on January 08, 2009

Deron Williams and Chris Paul are always the big draw anytime the Jazz and Hornets get together.  These battles are the measuring stick that most Jazz fans use when comparing the two All-Star caliber point guards.  This last game though it was a different match I wanted to see.

Millsap is not your prototypical power forward.  Therefore he draws some odd comparisons around the league.  I have heard him compared to guys like Carl Landry or Jason Maxiell.  Why not draw comparisons by the players game and development instead of his size?  Let me drop a little Mark Twain on you “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”  So why not compare him to David West?  Both players were studs in College.  Millsap left school as the three time NCAA rebounding champ, West as the AP National Player of the Year.  Yet both players were passed over for guys who never panned out in league.  Millsap is currently enjoying a breakout season in his third year as a pro, just like West did.  Following the trend it’s worth mentioning that West made the All-star team his fifth year in the league.  The All-Star team even wore the name “West” on the front of the jerseys in his honor.  OK you got me there, that last line wasn’t exactly accurate but you get the point.

Physically West stood a little taller last night, but it was Millsap that had the monster game.  He outplayed West on both sides of the court.  Millsap finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds.  West finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds.  I know West was tired from putting up 40 points the night before in Los Angeles, but I can’t see why Millsap can’t be on his way to being the same caliber player as – or better than David West.  I say that with the highest regard for David West.  West is a much higher mark to hit than Maxiell.  It’s a fairer comparison as well.

6 Comments

Amber on January 08, 2009 said:

In soon due time I believe that Millsap will be compared to all the bests and bests of the bests He’s an animal and he is surely proving that this year!

justalars on January 08, 2009 said:

I remember watching Millsap at a Utah State Game, we had 2 power forwards and a center starting at the time. The biggest team we ever had and he was destroying them. Triple teams. He was being mauled and still getting offensive boards. We won cause their team sucked but I knew he was gonna do something in the NBA right then. STUD!!!

Mal on January 08, 2009 said:

I will weep if we ever lose Millsap! I’m under the impression that the size of the fight in the ‘Sap dog is much bigger than the size of the fight in a certain other Jazz power forward that I will leave unnamed.

Boondock Saint on January 09, 2009 said:

I will weep too Mal. I think we’d have to hold a support group for Millsap withdrawal and I have a feeling it would packed. Sap is a workhorse but he does it in such a quiet way. He rarely PLEADS for calls or lets bad calls get to him. He just plays, works, and wills his way through. He has heart and thats what any fan really wants to see.

Montgump on January 12, 2009 said:

Am I crazy or should Milsap remain the starter when Boozer returns?

justalars on January 13, 2009 said:

I’ve had the same thoughts Montgump

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