Now that they are both bench buddies — assuming a healthy starting lineup — Kirilenko has also learned to appreciate the things Millsap gives the Jazz that differ a bit from Utah's usual starter.

"He's a huge addition to our lineup. I think Paul is a great replacement for Carlos, especially for short period," Kirilenko said. "He's a little bit more defensive-minded, rather than Carlos. Boozer's a huge presence in the block.

"With Paul it's a little different, more running. He's kind of agile. He's sneaking in all the time and getting those offensive rebounds at the right time when we need it. That's a lot."

Anybody who saw his thunderous one-handed jam off of a missed C.J. Miles shot Wednesday — a power putback that wasn't exactly an anomaly — can attest to that.

Moments after Millsap lauded Deron Williams for helping energize the Jazz in his return Wednesday, the Jazz's star point guard dished a compliment right back at No. 24.

"I've been a big Paul Millsap fan," Williams said. "I've said if you give him these type of minutes consistently, he can produce these type of numbers for you."

And the more he does, the better it will be for his financial future and for the Jazz this season. But Millsap says he's just trying to concentrate on the here and now instead of the obvious fact that his skills are on showcase.

"You try not to think about it," he said. "(Because) you get out there and try to do so good and you mess up. So I just try to put it in the back of my head and just get out there and just play."

Sloan likes the fact that Millsap has added different elements to his game — inside moves, a mid-range jumper, passing out of double teams, defensive recognition. And he especially likes that he works on not being one-dimensional.

Millsap's improved shooting has been most noticeable. He is shooting career-bests from the field (55.9 percent) and from the free-throw line (74.5 percent).

"That's just part of the process of developing," Sloan said. "They (opponents) know you do one thing; you've got to do something else."

In other words, Sloan wants Millsap to find more than one way to, well, deliver the goods for his team.

Hmm. Kinda like the Mailman, after all.

Millsap by the numbers

Season Min. Ast. Reb. Pts.

2006-07 . . . 18 . . . 0.8 . . . 5.2 . . . 6.8

2007-08 . . . 20.8 . . . 1.0 . . . 5.6 . . . 8.1

2008-09 . . . 26.9 . . . 1.3 . . . 7.0 . . . 12.2

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E-mail: jody@desnews.com