Utah Jazz: Is Paul Millsap ready for his potential new role?

It won't be forever, though, that Millsap — age-wise, and skill-wise — is on the rise.

The clock ticks on him, as it does on all NBA players.

Last offseason — after Boozer surprisingly opted in for the final season of his Jazz contract, and Utah declined to trade him even after committing major money to his backup — Millsap tuned out the noise.

He hit snooze on what he thought was the signal it was his time to start, at least for one season. "I didn't set myself up for (disappointment)," Millsap said. "Really, I may have thought I could help starting — but, in a worst-case scenario, (planned to) come off the bench, play significant minutes and try to help our team that way.

"I kind of knew what was going on, and I dealt with it."

Which begs the question of just what he's setting himself up for now.

"Just go out there and continue to work," he said. "I mean, I can't control (anything).

"Whatever they decide is their decision. But I'm gonna come back in the best of shape. You know, I'm trying to get better."

He is, but deep down he also feels he's good enough now.

Good enough, that is, to start.

Asked if he can replace what Boozer does for the Jazz, Millsap's response really did sound as convincing as it was brief.

"I'll let my work," he said, "speak for itself."

e-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com