Patty Mills Bio
Patrick Sammie Mills AM is an Australian professional basketball player who last played for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Australian descent and was born and raised in Canberra, Australia. Mills was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 55th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft after playing two years of college basketball for the Saint Mary’s Gaels. Known for his exceptional three-point shooting and leadership qualities, Mills has made significant contributions to both his teams and the Australian national basketball team throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Patrick Sammie Mills was born on August 11, 1988, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. He is the son of Benny Mills, a Torres Strait Islander, and Yvonne Mills, an Aboriginal Australian. Yvonne’s background as part of the Stolen Generations has deeply influenced Mills’ understanding of his identity as an Indigenous Australian. Mills has often spoken about how learning about his mother’s past was a pivotal moment in his life. He has a rich family history, including connections to former Olympian basketballer Danny Morseu and Indigenous land rights activist Eddie Mabo.
Mills began playing basketball at a young age, joining a local Indigenous club established by his parents called “The Shadows.” He also played Australian rules football at a high level but ultimately chose to focus on basketball. Mills attended Marist College and later transferred to the Australian Institute of Sport and Lake Ginninderra College, where he continued to develop his skills. His early achievements included winning the RE Staunton Medal at the U20 Nationals and being named the 2006 Junior Male Player of the Year at Basketball Australia’s annual Junior Basketball Awards.
Path to Basketball
In November 2006, Mills signed to play college basketball for Saint Mary’s College of California, where he quickly made a name for himself. He was named the West Coast Conference (WCC) Newcomer of the Year and earned All-WCC First Team honors during his freshman year. Mills set a Saint Mary’s freshman record for points in a season and was a three-time WCC Player of the Week. After a successful college career, he declared for the NBA draft in April 2009, forgoing his final two years of eligibility.
Mills was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 55th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, becoming the first Saint Mary’s player to be drafted since 1983. He faced challenges early in his NBA career, including a foot injury that sidelined him during the Summer League. However, he made his NBA debut in January 2010, showcasing his potential as a valuable player.
Patty Mills Career
Early Career (2009–2011)
Mills began his professional career with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played for two seasons. During his rookie year, he averaged 2.6 points in limited minutes but showed promise. In his second season, he played in 64 games, averaging 5.5 points and contributing to the team’s efforts in the playoffs. After the 2010-2011 season, Mills returned to Australia due to the NBA lockout, playing for the Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League.
After a brief stint in Australia, Mills signed with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China, where he averaged 26.5 points per game. His strong performance in China led to his return to the NBA, signing with the San Antonio Spurs in March 2012.
Breakthrough (2012–2021)
Mills’ career took off with the San Antonio Spurs, where he became a key contributor off the bench. He played a crucial role in the Spurs’ 2014 NBA championship victory, showcasing his three-point shooting ability in the Finals. Mills continued to excel with the Spurs, becoming known for his clutch performances and leadership. He re-signed with the Spurs multiple times, solidifying his place as one of the team’s most reliable players.
In 2021, Mills signed with the Brooklyn Nets, where he continued to break records, including becoming the first player to shoot a perfect 10-of-10 from the three-point line in the first two games of the season. He also became the highest-scoring Australian in NBA history during his time with the Nets.
Notable Works and Milestones
Mills is known for his contributions to the Australian national team, leading the Boomers to their first-ever Olympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He scored 42 points in the bronze medal game, setting an Olympic record for points scored in a medal round game. Mills has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named an NBA champion and a three-time Gaze Medalist.
Patty Mills Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Mills has received several nominations for his outstanding performances in basketball, particularly during his time in college and the NBA.
Patty Mills Awards Won
Mills has achieved significant recognition in his career, including being an NBA champion in 2014 and winning The Don Award in 2021. He has also received multiple Gaze Medals, highlighting his excellence in Australian basketball.
Patty Mills Family
Patty Mills is married to Alyssa Mills, who was also a college basketball player. The couple tied the knot on July 8, 2019, in Waimea Valley, Hawaii. They do not have children.
Personal Life
Mills is known for his activism and commitment to social issues, particularly regarding racism and Indigenous rights in Australia. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives and has used his platform to raise awareness about these important topics. Mills is also a fan of rugby league and Australian rules football, supporting teams such as the Brisbane Broncos and the Adelaide Crows.
