Cheers to NBAMate reader Braydon for the heads up on this one. Just when we started to get excited about Patty Mills’ imminent return to the NBA, there’s this: Mills has been assigned to the the Idaho Stampede, the Trailblazers D-League affiliate.
The Blazers also waived former Stampede forward Anthony Tolliver, who will rejoin Idaho.
“We are very excited to welcome Anthony back as well as have a player of Patty Mills’ character join our team,” said Idaho Stampede coach Bob MacKinnon. “It is an honor for our organization that the Trail Blazers will send us one of their team members. I think our fans in the Treasure Valley will really enjoy watching as these added players really put a little more fuel in our tank.”
As the link states, log onto nba.com/dleague to watch all of the Stampede’s games live, online, for free.
Completing the full picture is the Blazers signing of Shavlik Randolph. According to Blazers Edge, Shavlik is “the most skilled big man on the market once the Miami Heat waived him” and “can step in and play immediately and hold his own on both ends”.
So while it’s disappointing for Mills fans to see him relegated to the D-League, its a totally understandable move made by the Blazers, considering their recent string of injuries to big men. On the plus side, Patty is bound to get significant minutes for the Stampede, minutes he will need after being out of action for so long while rehabbing his foot. In one sense, it’s actually the perfect situation for Patty who otherwise would be sitting four point-guards deep on the bench, getting scrap minutes (if any) without the opportunity to showcase his full talents.
The other major bonus is that plenty of NBA scouts will get to see Patty in D-League action, and if there doesn’t appear to be a future (i.e. roster spot) for Mills in Portland, he might get shipped to someone who does want him.
The D-League certainly isn’t a death-sentence. Plenty of players have re-surfaced to the NBA (our own Nathan Jawai being one), and I have no doubt that a player of Patty’s caliber will thrive and prove he’s NBA-worthy.
There’s only one thing left to say.. GO IDAHO!
UPDATE: Mookie (an Aussie Blazers fan) over at A Stern Warning adds his thoughts to Patty’s move
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I caught some of Jawai’s D-League games streaming online last season but have no idea how I did it. It might have even been through NBA.com but I honestly can’t remember.
Actually it’s in the link…
“Trail Blazers fans can stay in step with Mills, who will join the Stampede Wednesday and be available when the team travels to face the Reno Bighorns on Jan. 1, by logging onto nba.com/dleague to watch all of the Stampede’s games live, online, for free.”
correct you are sir. post updated.
I know you’re put a positive spin on it, but Patty Mills will have to work hard just to regain his “bottom of the bench” roster spot.
So, now we only have 3 Aussies left in the NBA.
I can’t believe that on the very day I decide to put the “Aussies in the NBA” section in my sidebar (below Wall of Fame) that Patty Mills gets relegated to D-League. I’m sorry Patty if I jinxed you.
I say rip the D-League a new one Patty and showcase your talents “Olympic-style”… If Aaron Brooks, Earl Boykins and Sasha Vujacic can still get a game.. I say he still has a chance!
I hope someone like the Memphis Grizzlies try to pick him up. Mike Conley can carry Patty Mills’ bags.
From day one I thought the Jazz would be the absolute perfect team for Patty to start his NBA career with, I’m still holding out hope that this is possible. You never know what the Blazers will do with all their PGs in a trade for someone over 6′8″ with two good wheels.
Disgusting. Patty is much better than PLAYless and BLOLke.
Absolutley MONSTER debut in the D-League for Patty.
38 pts on 13 – 25 shooting (7 – 10 from distance)along with 12 assists, 3 boards, 3 steals and only 1 t/o in 36 minutes of action off the bench.
Yes, Mills looked outstanding in his debut.
Especially considering this was his first game after being out injured for a half year.
It may be a bit premature for the Blazers to ink him in as one of their guards for the long term, but it’s not too early to at least pencil him in.
It looks to me like a near certainty that Mills is headed for a successful NBA career.
*ripped the D-League a new one*
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