With Philadelphia 76ers phenom Ben Simmons absent from Australia’s roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, the odds appear to be against the Boomers at first glance. However, the group still has its fair share of NBA players on a roster that seeks its first-ever World Cup medal finish, led by a seasoned veteran point guard in Patty Mills.
The 31-year-old Mills is a former NBA champion and an eight-year member of the San Antonio Spurs, so he knows a thing or two about getting the most out of himself and his teammates. The Spurs are well known for their efficient offense and using the fundamentals of the game to break down opponents perhaps much more athletic and talented. And that’s just what Australia will need if they’re going to compete in China.
The Boomers come into the tournament ranked No. 11 overall, and for good reason. They’re one of the true contenders to win it all with a roster full of talent, but will still have their work cut out for them to win the group. They’ll face No. 6 Lithuania, No. 23 Canada and No. 37 Senegal in Group H, dubbed this year’s ‘Group of Death’.
Mills found most of his success in the NBA coming off the bench for the Spurs as a 3-point specialist. He also proved to be a valuable point guard who can run the offense alongside players like Spurs legends like Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan. Mills was a large contributor in that group when they won the NBA Finals in 2014.
Shooting, however, is what Mills does best. He’s netted 39.1% of his shots from 3-point range in his career and shot a remarkable 42.5% from deep during the Spurs’ championship season. It’s a combination of his shooting and basketball IQ which should help Australia compete with the best teams in the world during the World Cup.
Mills (No. 5) will serve as a veteran leader and playmaker for a talented Boomers squad that seeks its first-ever FIBA World Cup medal. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Floor spacing is as important as it has ever been in the game of basketball, and Australia will need Mills’ elite shooting ability to keep opponents wary of open 3-pointers. His presence on the court will also go a long way in getting the most out of Australia’s potent frontcourt which includes Andrew Bogut, Aron Baynes (Phoenix Suns) and Jonah Bolden (Philadelphia 76ers).
Not only will Mills’ involve the big men in the offense using the pick-and-roll, but the 3-point shooting threat he poses will also take the pressure off of them in the post. The defense won’t be able to collapse in the paint and leave Mills open, nor will opponents be able to easily switch assignments or go underneath screens. Mills will also have some perimeter help in the form of Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz), who will both play key complementary rolls to Mills running point.
Mills has always been a great asset to the Boomers for these reasons. He made his senior national team debut in the 2007 FIBA Oceania Championship and averaged 10.3 points per game en route to winning the gold medal. He went on to lead the Boomers with 14.2 points per game in the 2008 Olympics and earned two more gold medals in the 2013 and 2015 Oceania Championships.
While Mills might not be considered among the best players in the world, his experience shouldn’t go under the radar. Expect to see his leadership shine in running the pick-and-roll, as he’ll force the defense to make adjustments.
Australia may lack a true superstar, but its depth will likely make it a tough team to beat in the tournament. And with so many reliable players on the roster, Mills will be in familiar territory.
