Paul Millsap is a prominent figure in the NBA, known not only as a successful American basketball player and a four-time NBA All-Star but also as an inspirational leader to young players across the league and in all the teams he has played for. Born on Feb. 10, 1985, in Monroe, Louisiana, Millsap was raised in a bustling household with five siblings. His passion for basketball began in childhood, leading him to play for the Grambling Lab High School basketball team, the Grambling Kittens. Following a remarkable high school career, he earned a spot on the Parade All-American fourth team and was honored as Mr Basketball for the state of Louisiana.
Millsap’s journey continued at Louisiana Tech University, where he stood out as the leading player on the NCAA rebounds chart. Recognized for his exceptional play, he was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during his sophomore and junior years. In 2006, Millsap made the pivotal decision to enter the NBA draft, foregoing his final year of college. On Aug. 2, 2006, Millsap signed his rookie scale contract with the Utah Jazz, where he played for seven years, becoming a top-tier power forward. He achieved a career-high 46 points in a 2010 game against the Miami Heat.
In July 2013, after his tenure with the Jazz, Millsap joined the Atlanta Hawks on a two-year contract, re-signing for another three years for $59 million. In 2020, he was listed as one of the world’s highest paid athletes, earning over $23 million. During his time with the Hawks, he was selected as an Eastern Conference NBA All-Star each year of his four-year stay. Paul has shown time and again that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
But what makes Paul really special is what he does off the court. He’s not just about scoring points; he’s also scoring big in the hearts of many through his generosity and kindness. Off the court, Paul Millsap’s commitment to education and community is evident through his philanthropic efforts. In 2017, he extended his support to the American Red Cross with a significant donation of $25,000, contributing to their disaster relief efforts. Recognizing the importance of nurturing young minds and bodies, he also contributed $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an organization dedicated to enabling all young people to reach their full potential.
His philanthropic journey didn’t stop there. In 2018, Millsap made a remarkable donation of $1 million to his own Paul Millsap Foundation, providing scholarships, school resources, and support for basketball programs in underserved communities. Following this, in 2019, Millsap directed his kindness towards the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a donation of $10,000.
His flagship initiative, CORE4, offers elite-level basketball coaching and youth development programs, emphasizing character and education. Additionally, Paul Millsap is a PGA WORKS Ambassador, promoting diversity and inclusion in the golf industry. His commitment extends to funding a PGA WORKS Fellowship in the Georgia PGA Section, providing valuable experience for those interested in golf careers. Paul Millsap’s story is not just one of athletic achievement but of a deep-seated commitment to lifting others up, whether through his play on the basketball court or his generous contributions off it. His actions speak volumes about his character, making him a true role model and leader in every sense. Through his efforts, Millsap has shown that success is not just about personal accolades but about how much you can give back and inspire others along the way.
Billionaire Africa highlights some of his business ventures below;
- CORE4 ATL
In 2017, Millsap ignited a new chapter in athletic excellence by launching CORE4, a sprawling 44,000-square-foot training facility in Atlanta. This powerhouse of fitness and skill-building stands as a monument to his dedication, situated in the very city where he showcased his prowess with the Hawks for four dynamic seasons. CORE4 ATL is a state-of-the-art training facility and elite development academy founded by Paul Millsap and his 3 brothers, John, Abe and Elijah Millsap. Core4 ATL serves the Metro Atlanta area by providing a state-of-the-art facility with a focus on Character, Commitment, Competition and Community. It also hosts athletes of all levels, from Youth Training programs to Professional Training, AAU court Rentals and Pro Runs, all designed to enhance players’ abilities, strength, and agility. In 2022, CORE4 ATL signed a partnership with Atlanta Dream and was named as the official practice facility for the 2023 WNBA Season in April 2023, asserting its role as a pivotal supporter of the WNBA and Women’s Athletics.
- THE PAUL MILLSAP PODCAST
In 2019, Paul launched the ‘The Paul Millsap Podcast,’ a professionally curated series that offers a platform for thoughtful interviews with prominent athletes, business leaders, and public figures, shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of success and leadership. Through this venture, Millsap has created a space for meaningful dialogue.
- ATLANTA VIBE
In 2024, inspired by his daughters’ involvement in high school volleyball, Paul Millsap invested in the Atlanta Vibes, a new American professional indoor volleyball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. He joined a notable group of investors, including Colleen Craig, Sinjin Smith, and Edwin Moses, as the team prepared for its inaugural season.
“Observing the recent surge in women’s sports, I felt that joining the Atlanta Vibes was a natural step forward in my career,” Millsap stated. “As a father to daughters, it’s profoundly important to me to highlight the vast opportunities available to them in athletics. Drawing from my own experiences as a retired professional athlete, I understand the commitment and hard work required to achieve success in sports.”
Beyond his role as an investor, Millsap also serves as a mentor to the team, leveraging his extensive experience from a 16-year NBA career. Furthermore, his CORE4 facility has provided the Vibes with a state-of-the-art weight training gym, aiding their preparation for the upcoming Pro Volleyball Federation season.
- GABLES RESIDENTIAL
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Paul Millsap expanded his business ventures into the real estate sector by partnering with Gables Residential, a distinguished real estate development firm. Known for their dedication to uplifting living standards, Gables Residential creates outstanding homes that go beyond just being places to live. Together, Paul and Gables Residential are on a mission to offer premium housing while also enriching the communities they touch, showing their joint commitment to making a difference in people’s lives and fostering community growth.
- PINDROP
Paul Millsap broadened his investments by acquiring a piece of Pindrop Software, a leader in the tech space for voice security and authentication. Known for its cutting-edge approach to stopping voice fraud, Pindrop helps in protecting industries such as call centers and financial services. The company’s dedication to innovation is evident in its elegantly engineered software, which guarantees a high level of authenticity and trust, safeguarding digital communications in an increasingly connected world.
Through these diverse endeavors, Paul Millsap has not only solidified his legacy but has also proved himself as a forward-thinking entrepreneur and community advocate. His journey from an NBA star to a multifaceted businessman and supporter of women’s athletics illuminates a path of impactful leadership and dedication to fostering talent and development in the sport world and beyond.
