Atlanta Hawks finalize Typical NBA Contract.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Patty Mills, a seasoned veteran with 15 years of experience and a championship win with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, is set to be released by the Atlanta Hawks. The decision comes as Atlanta aims to transition shooting guard Trent Forrest from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal, rendering the veteran Mills surplus to requirements.
Mills has seen limited action for the Hawks this season, featuring in just 19 games following his move from the Brooklyn Nets in a complex series of trades involving six teams. Although he still boasts a respectable 38.2% accuracy from beyond the arc, his playing time and scoring output have declined significantly over the past couple of seasons.
This move could potentially signal the conclusion of a remarkable professional journey that began when Mills was selected 55th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2009 NBA Draft. Following a standout collegiate career at Saint Mary’s College, Mills became only the ninth Australian player to grace the NBA stage, ultimately surpassing Andrew Bogut in both longevity and scoring.
Mills truly made his mark upon joining the San Antonio Spurs in 2012, consistently showcasing his sharpshooting prowess by maintaining a three-point shooting percentage of over 40% during his initial years with the franchise. His breakout came in the 2013-14 season, where he doubled his scoring average to 10.2 points per game while boasting an impressive 42.5% accuracy from beyond the arc. Notably, Mills played a pivotal role in the Spurs’ triumph over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, sinking crucial shots and contributing significantly to their championship victory.
Despite being undersized, Mills proved to be remarkably durable during his tenure with the Spurs, missing just three games between 2015 and 2019. His contributions were duly recognized, with a notable eighth-place finish in the Sixth Man of the Year voting during the Spurs’ successful 2016-17 campaign and a later accolade as the recipient of the NBA’s Sportsmanship Award in 2022.
The longevity and impact of Mills’ career are particularly remarkable considering his low draft position. Even Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich hailed him as “one of the greatest teammates ever” in 2019. If indeed this marks the conclusion of Mills’ NBA journey, it will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the game.
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