Patty Mills Joins Utah Jazz with One-Year Deal
Veteran point guard Patty Mills is set to bring his seasoned expertise to the Utah Jazz, having signed a one-year deal with the team. At 36 years old, Mills has secured a fully guaranteed contract worth $3.3 million for the upcoming season, marking his 16th year in the NBA.
Mills, originally a second-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009, has had an expansive career that includes stints with the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat. A key figure in the Spurs' 2014 NBA Championship team, Mills is expected to provide the Jazz with considerable experience and leadership.
Adding significant depth to the team, Mills' role with the Jazz might primarily be off the bench. The Utah Jazz concluded the previous season with a record of 31-51, missing the playoffs, and have since been busy reshaping their roster. The team has confirmed that rookie Keyonte George is likely to assume the starting point guard duties, with Collin Sexton starting alongside him in the backcourt. Jordan Clarkson will continue his role as the team’s sixth man.
In addition to Mills, the Jazz have also signed Johnny Juzang and Svi Mykhailiuk, and extended Lauri Markkanen’s contract, displaying a clear strategy to blend veteran presence with younger talent and hope to steer the team back to playoff contention.
Mills recently showcased his scoring prowess on the international stage, representing Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He averaged 16.5 points per game, helping Australia reach the quarterfinals before being ousted by Serbia, led by NBA superstar Nikola Jokic.
Valuable Veteran Leadership
While Mills may not be in a starting role for the Jazz, his contribution is expected to be multifaceted. Known for his ability to provide instant offense off the bench and his versatility on the court, Mills is anticipated to be an asset to the Jazz’s second unit. His wealth of experience will be invaluable for mentoring younger players and providing them with guidance throughout the season.
As the Jazz prepare for the upcoming season, blending their roster of seasoned veterans like Mills with emerging talents, they aim to create a dynamic and competitive unit capable of securing a playoff berth. Mills' presence both on and off the court is poised to play a significant part in this endeavor.
Jazz fans will be keen to see how the integration of these new elements harmonizes under head coach Will Hardy’s system. With Patty Mills on board, the team is not just gaining a player with a championship pedigree but also a respected figure whose influence transcends the game.
It remains to be seen how the season will unfold, but with Mills’ addition, the Utah Jazz are undoubtedly taking steps in the right direction, holding aspirations of rekindling their championship aspirations.