Hawks' Millsap says shoulder injury doesn't require surgery

Fears that Paul Millsap's lingering shoulder injury would require surgery have been put to rest for now, as the pending free agent said Thursday surgery isn't necessary, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Chris Vivlamore.

Millsap dealt with a sprained right shoulder throughout the playoffs after the injury sidelined him for five games in April, and while he still enjoyed a solid postseason in helping the Atlanta Hawks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, it was evident at times that he wasn't quite 100 percent.

If the All-Star power forward's shoulder simply needs rest, that's encouraging, but it's also worth wondering how entering the offseason with questions surrounding his health might affect Millsap's market.

The 30-year-old has taken his game to new heights over the last two years in Atlanta, averaging 17.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and a block while adding a consistent (35.7 percent) three-point shot to his arsenal.

Millsap, a formidable defender, is as complete a 4-man as they come, and he was expected to potentially command a maximum offer as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Whether that changes at all will be something to monitor.

The Hawks landed Millsap with what turned about to be a ridiculous bargain of a deal as a free agent in 2013, signing him for $19 million total over two years.