
The Atlanta Hawks have said goodbye to veteran guard Patty Mills, deciding to waive the seasoned player after a stint of meager playing time this season. As per KENS 5, Mills, who joined the Hawks from Oklahoma City before the start of the current season, averaged merely 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds across 19 games.
Having contributed to the San Antonio Spurs from 2012 to 2021, the Australian native has been struggling to find his groove in Atlanta, despite an NBA career that spans over 15 years and includes an impressive championship run with the Spurs in 2014. According to Port News, the Hawks took to social media to express their gratitude to the guard, who's now eyeing opportunities with other teams or possibly an NBL return, where he once shined for the Melbourne Tigers.
In his NBA tenure, Mills has boasted career averages of 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, playing for teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and the Hawks. While his recent performance with the Hawks might have not turned heads, shooting 37.3 per cent from the floor and 38.2 per cent from the 3-point range, the 35-year-old's experience on the court is still valued highly. In his time with the Spurs, Mills not only clinched an NBA title but also captivated the local community and became an endearing figure among fans.
Fan favorite, not just for his prowess on the court but also for his local impact and the introduction of the "Coffee Gang," rumors are now swirling about a potential Spurs reunion. This could provide a much-needed mentorship to the younger Spurs roster, who are currently navigating the league without a veteran point guard. A return to San Antonio might just be the encore Patty Mills and Spurs fans alike are looking for. A sentiment echoed in the basketball circles, as suggested by KENS 5.
With Mills now on the waiver wire, other playoff-bound teams might see the benefit in snapping up the seasoned Aussie. Rival teams have 48 hours to propose a trade for the veteran, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent.