This post was written as part of Unsung Player Day, hosted at With Malice.

Four years ago, one of the top NBA players of all time, Karl Malone, left his legacy with the Utah Jazz to pursue an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. Without Stockton and Malone, the Jazz were left without any franchise players.

After a couple seasons of mediocrity, the Jazz “stole” Carlos Boozer from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Along with one of the top points guards in the NBA, Deron Williams, the Jazz have returned to the top of the Western Conference. No, Boozer is not our Unsung Player — all he did was put our under-appreciated player on the bench.

For many up-and-coming NCAA players, one season is enough to earn them a spot in the first round, or even the lottery. For Paul Millsap, however, not even three consecutive years leading the NCAA in rebounding was enough to earn him a guaranteed contract in the first round. The Jazz drafted Paul Millsap with the #47 pick, ignoring doubts that Millsap’s talent wouldn’t carry over to the NBA. Fast forward to this season. Although his averages have improved only slightly in his sophomore season, teams are now aware that Millsap will grab every rebound and block every shot that’s in front of him.

Barring any surprising injury, Millsap will have played all 82 games this season. Yet to miss a game for the Jazz, Millsap is more reliable than the delivery of the newspaper, mail, death, or taxes. Millsap could start for many teams in the NBA, yet Millsap must shift between small forward, power forward, and center to play behind a talented Jazz frontcourt. After a rookie season where he surprised many teams with his intense play, teams now play extremely physical with him.

Why is Paul Millsap an one of the top Unsung Players in the NBA? His consistent, physical play as a key role player for a championship contender earns him some much deserved credit. Take a moment to enjoy the underappreciated talent of Paul Millsap.