Carlos who?

That’s the answer Utah Jazz fans will have for anyone that asks about the departed Carlos Boozer. Sure, they would have welcomed the two-time All-Star back had he decided to re-sign with Utah.  However, knowing Paul Millsap was waiting for his chance, made the loss of Boozer a much easier pill to swallow. 

The 25-year-old forward won the support of his teammates and fans when he helped the Jazz remain afloat in past seasons while Boozer was injured. Now the starting job belongs to him and he’s making the most of his opportunity to showcase his skills.

“This is based from opportunity,” Millsap said. “I’m getting the opportunity to come in and establish myself as a player and I’m taking advantage of every minute of it.”

Millsap’s hot start has taken many people by surprise – a 46-point performance against Miami will do that for you. While the ending of the game against the Heat was unexpected, his effectiveness isn’t catching any of his teammates off-guard.

“It’s no secret that Paul could play like this if given the minutes,” Deron Williams said. “When Boozer was out over the last couple of years Paul has always contributed and put up the same type of numbers.  Boozer missed 30 games and Paul put in like 20 double-double for our team; it’s not a secret he can play.”

While Millsap’s success may not be a secret it also isn’t a coincidence or Cinderella story. Old fashioned hard work is the driving force behind the forward’s smooth transition. His work ethic is something that his legendary coach greatly respects.

“He’s a wonderful guy to coach because he never stops working and he doesn’t mind working,” Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. “You can work him hard and he’ll never say a word about it. Some guys will look for a day off here and there, but Paul will be out there working. He’s a tough guy and loves to do what his team needs.”

Patience and maturity have also been huge for rising star.

Not everyone would willingly return to the bench after showing their game is worthy of a starting job; it wasn’t hard for Millsap. The five-year pro used the time on the bench to watch and learn. He knew his time would come eventually and made sure he was ready when the job was his.

“It wasn’t too difficult,” Millsap said. “It was just one of those situations where you have to be patient and know that your time will come. I took all of that in and as I was sitting I watched and was able to observe everything going on; it helped me out in the end.”

Not having to worry about Boozer coming back, however, has made things easier for Millsap.

“It’s such a relief,” he said. “You don’t have to look over your shoulders. You know you’re going to get the ball and you can just go to work; it’s a good feeling.”

The success hasn’t changed Millsap too much. While he’s comfortable knowing he’s the starter and the bulk of the minutes are his, he still is focused on the team’s success and not his own.

“I haven’t set any individual goals for myself,” he said. “I just get out there and play and let everything else play itself out.”