Patty Mills Joins Utah Jazz on One-Year Deal
Veteran point guard Patty Mills has signed a one-year contract with the Utah Jazz, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. The 36-year-old will earn $3.3 million in a fully guaranteed deal for the upcoming season. This signing marks Mills' 16th year in the NBA, highlighting a career that has seen him play for several teams and achieve significant milestones.
Mills was originally a second-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009. Over the years, he has donned the jerseys of the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat. A significant highlight of his career was being part of the Spurs' 2014 NBA championship-winning team. In addition to his NBA experience, Mills has also played overseas in China and Australia, showcasing his versatility and global appeal.
Most recently, Mills represented Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he averaged an impressive 16.5 points per game. Despite a strong performance, Australia was eliminated in the quarterfinals by a formidable Serbian team led by Nikola Jokic. This international experience adds another layer to Mills' already diverse and rich basketball resume.
Impact on the Utah Jazz
Last season, the Utah Jazz finished with a 31-51 record, falling short of playoff contention. The team is now looking to blend veteran experience with youthful vigor to reverse their fortunes. Keyonte George is expected to take on the starting point guard duties, with Collin Sexton playing alongside him. Jordan Clarkson is set to continue his role as the team's sixth man, a role he has excelled in.
The addition of Mills is particularly aimed at providing guidance and mentorship to the younger players. While he's not expected to start, his ability to deliver instant offense off the bench will be invaluable. Mills' versatility will also be a significant asset, allowing the coaching staff to deploy him in various scenarios to optimize team performance.
In addition to Patty Mills, the Jazz have bolstered their roster by signing Johnny Juzang and Svi Mykhailiuk. Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen has been rewarded with a contract extension, signaling the team's intent to build a balanced squad that can compete at a high level.
Looking Forward
As the Jazz gear up for the new season, the focus will be on creating a cohesive unit that can challenge for a playoff spot. The blend of veterans like Mills and young talents such as George and Sexton offers a promising mix. Mills' role will be crucial in this transition, providing not just scoring but also the intangibles like leadership, professionalism, and a winning mentality.
The Jazz are hopeful that this combination of experience and youth will propel them back into playoff contention. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Mills and the new-look Jazz perform in the upcoming season.