10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Patty Mills
Patty Mills #8 of the Utah Jazz in action during the second half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Delta Center on October 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photos: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Patty Mills plays for the Utah Jazz in the NBA
- Olympic record holder for points scored in a medal round game (42)
- NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014
- 5th highest scorer in Olympic basketball history
Patty Mills is an Indigenous Australian basketball player renowned for his three-point shooting, leadership, and international success with the Australian national team.
Key Details
Name: Patrick Sammie Mills AM
Age: 36
Team(s): Utah Jazz (current), San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers
Position: Point Guard
Size: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight: 180 lb (82 kg)
Playing style
Patty Mills is best known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability and his energetic, fast-paced style of play. Despite his relatively small stature for an NBA player, Mills uses his quickness and agility to create space and opportunities on the court. He excels in catch-and-shoot situations, often sprinting around screens to find open looks beyond the arc.
Mills' game is not limited to just shooting, however. He is a capable ball-handler and distributor, able to run the offence as a traditional point guard when needed. His speed and court vision allow him to push the pace in transition, creating scoring chances for himself and his teammates. On defence, Mills uses his quick hands and high basketball IQ to disrupt opposing guards and generate steals.
Career
Mills' professional career began when he was drafted 55th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009. After two seasons with limited playing time in Portland, Mills found his NBA home with the San Antonio Spurs in 2012. It was under coach Gregg Popovich's system that Mills truly flourished, becoming a key contributor off the bench and helping the Spurs win the 2014 NBA Championship.
During his nine seasons with the Spurs, Mills developed into one of the league's premier sixth men and three-point specialists. He set numerous franchise records for three-pointers made and became a fan favourite for his enthusiasm and clutch shooting. Mills' role expanded over the years, and he often closed games for the Spurs in crucial moments.
In 2021, Mills signed with the Brooklyn Nets, where he continued to showcase his shooting prowess. He set an NBA record for most three-pointers made in a player's first two games with a new team, going a perfect 10-for-10 to start the season. Mills also broke the record for most three-pointers made on Christmas Day, sinking eight in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Internationally, Mills has been the face of Australian basketball for over a decade. He has represented the Boomers in four Olympic Games, leading the team to their first-ever medal (bronze) in Tokyo 2020. Mills' 42-point performance in the bronze medal game set an Olympic record for points scored in a medal round game.
Five Fast Facts
- Mills is of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Australian descent, making him a proud representative of Indigenous Australians in the NBA.
- He started his basketball career with a local Indigenous club called "The Shadows" at just four years old.
- Mills is the first Indigenous Australian to be a flag bearer for Australia at the Olympic Games.
- He has played in the NBA, NBL (Australia), and Chinese Basketball Association during his professional career.
- Mills is actively involved in social justice causes and has used his platform to address issues facing Indigenous Australians.
Career Highlights Timeline
2008: Made his Olympic debut for Australia at the Beijing Games
2009: Drafted 55th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers
2012: Signed with the San Antonio Spurs
2014: Won NBA Championship with the Spurs
2016: Signed a $50 million contract extension with the Spurs
2020: Became the first Australian to make 1,000 NBA three-pointers
2021: Led Australia to bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics, setting scoring record
2021: Signed with the Brooklyn Nets
2024: Played for Australia at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
2024: Joined the Utah Jazz
Patty Mills has established himself as one of the most successful and influential Australian basketball players in history. His journey from Canberra to NBA champion and Olympic record-holder is a testament to his skill, work ethic, and leadership. Mills' impact extends beyond the court, as he continues to be a role model and advocate for Indigenous Australians.
As he enters the latter stages of his career with the Utah Jazz, Mills' legacy is already secure. His shooting prowess, team-first mentality, and international success have made him a beloved figure in both the NBA and Australian basketball.
Whether coming off the bench or leading the national team, Patty Mills has proven time and again that he is a player who can be counted on in the biggest moments, cementing his place among Australia's greatest sporting exports.
