This was published 7 years ago
Patty Mills takes the front as young San Antonio Spurs chase NBA championship
By Roy Ward
Patty Mills' love for the San Antonio Spurs has never been stronger and his performance at NBA level has never been better.
And this is not a coincidence.
Patty Mills has emerged as a leading force for the San Antonio Spurs in 2016.Credit: Brian Babineau
In the Spurs' first 17 games Mills has been among their most consistent performers, and both his minutes and points per game are well up against his career averages.
Mills has also taken on a bigger leadership role in his sixth Spurs season. With addition of four rookies to the roster the team is inexperienced, particularly after the retirement of Tim Duncan.
Mills said on Sunday his love for the Spurs made him want to ensure the team's success for another generation.
"It's a combination of me growing, both on and off the court, and trying to focus more on the leadership aspect using all the things I've been able to learn from Timmy [Duncan] for example," Mills said before the Spurs' win over Washington Wizards (Saturday US time).
"I know what the culture here is all about and I'm trying to help spread that to the young guys who have come on board this year.
"It's been fun and challenging at the same time."
Mills scored 13 points and had four assists in 19 minutes off the bench against the Wizards. Earlier in the week he scored a season-high 19 points in the win over Boston Celtics.
"Every year I've been here it's been clear to me what this organisation is all about and what it means to me," Mills said.
"I've learned things here that I was never going to learn anywhere else – you begin to play for the name on the front of the jersey. This is how we as Australians usually play, we take pride in who we play for and who we represent.
"I've said it before that the Spurs organisation has become that type of mentality, just like it is for the Australian team.
"When you have that feeling then it's automatic that you go out there and play your heart out."
But there is a question mark on where Mills could go when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.
He is 28 years old, loved in San Antonio and a championship winning hero, he could be a two-time winner if the Spurs' claim this year's title.
But other clubs will be intrigued by Mills' resume, his warm personality and his evolving leadership skills, some will ask if he could be a starting point guard.
So with NBA wages sky-rocketing Mills could earn a substantial pay rise, especially if superstars like Steph Curry (Golden State) and Derrick Rose (New York) are re-signed quickly.
Former Spurs' teammate Aron Baynes took a sizeable pay rise to join Detroit two seasons ago and Matthew Dellavedova did similarly well earlier this year when Milwaukee Bucks chased his signature.
Mills wants no talk about his future while he chases down a second title but his love for the Spurs will no doubt come into the equation when the contract offers come in.
No one at the Spurs has ruled out finding a way to match Mills' market value, although previously they have opted to let their bench stars move on.
"It hasn't been any different or effected me in any way – we are really focused on what we are trying to do as a group," Mills said.
"All those questions and handling that will come when the time is right.
"The Spurs have won quite a few times but you still need to make the most out of every situation so it's no different to any other year."
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has noticed Mills' evolution from a bench scorer into a team leader and he applauds it.
"I think he's really taken pride in becoming more of a cerebral point guard instead of just being known as an energy guy," Popovich said.
"He has moved the team where it needs to be, he understands time and score and really has concentrated on that, more in adding that to his point guard duties rather than just being a scorer."
Spurs star point guard Tony Parker said Mills' energy was irreplaceable.
"Patty has earned that right, he's been with us for a long time and he earned the right that if he sees something then he helps the team and says something," Parker said.
"He's been with me a long time now, I love playing with Patty, I love being with him and I love him as a teammate.
"He's a great guy to be around, he's the key to our team as he brings energy and makes big shots."
There are many games to go in the Spurs' season and both the LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors have earned the Lion's share of headlines so far, just as Cleveland Cavaliers have in the eastern conference.
That suits the Spurs fine, they know they are right in the hunt.
"This year has been exciting as it's a new puzzle we are trying to put together," Mills said.
"It's fun, it keeps you on your toes, brings you back to the basics and what it takes to get us there in the first place.
"This is what the NBA is all about."