Some NBA casuals may not quite grasp the significance of the Heat signing a player like Patty Mills, except if you are Australian.
Mills has a lethal shot that will compliment Jimmy Butler nicely, especially heading into the postseason.
His locker room presence and experience is unmatched, as his resume includes leading the Australian Boomers to their first ever Olympic medal at the Tokyo Olympics and winning an NBA Championship with the Spurs in 2014.
The 15-season veteran guard was waved by Atlanta, where he began the season, and he explained why he wanted to join the Heat.
“I think where I’m at in my career and to be part of a culture like this, a winning environment, one goal in mind, and understanding the different aspects of people playing their part, playing their role and to be able to achieve a goal there — I think that’s been the backbone for me and what I’ve come from and what my abilities are,” Mills said.
Mills is putting all of his trust in head coach Erik Spoelstra’s hands, as he doesn’t quite know what his role will be yet.
But, he seems to have an attitude that will compliment Heat Culture nicely.
“Having all those conversations are still to come,” Mills said. “But I think first and foremost, just understanding I just want what I can bring in terms of my personality and professionalism, understand how you go about carrying yourself as an elite athlete and all those things. I think those things have gotten me to where I am today.”
He added, “I’m sure over time, there are conversations that will be had,” Mills said. “But in the time being, it’s just how I can slide in here without being too much of a hassle or asking too many questions, and understanding how I can help this team moving forward.”
The addition of Mills will help to bolster Miami’s backcourt and fill the gap in Tyler Herro’s absence, as he recovers from a knee injury.
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