Nice to have a four-wheel drive like Millsap when needed

But now that he has a monstrous raise, I expect him to be better than just a great hustle guy. If he's making 10 times as much money, I expect him to be 10 times better. OK, that's exaggerating, but you know what I mean. As Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spiderman said, "With great power comes great responsibility."

I expect him to make big shots if needed at the end of games. And to improve his range. And to position better on defense.

I figure he owes it to the Jazz to up his free throw percentage. And to be great in the playoffs. As it now stands, the Jazz are the 8th best team in the West. I foresee Millsap improving enough that they'll be better than that.

Millsap doesn't need to be the Jazz's franchise player. That's Deron Williams' job. I just expect him to play like he's still trying to earn a contract. And to prove it really isn't about the money.

I'm planning on it, in fact.

Because if he doesn't, he'll be as hard to unload as my old, gas-guzzling SUV.

e-mail: rock@desnews.com