For 15 seasons, Patty Mills was a constant presence in the NBA—a reliable guard who won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs and became a beloved figure in Australian basketball. But in 2024, he made a surprising move: leaving the league to play in Spain. This article traces his journey from being drafted 55th overall to becoming an Olympic icon, and explains what he’s doing now.
NBA Championships: 1 (2014 with San Antonio Spurs) · NBA Career Points Per Game: 8.7 · Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) · Current Team: La Laguna Tenerife (Liga ACB) · Olympic Appearances: 5 (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
Quick snapshot
- Won NBA title with Spurs in 2014 (Basketball Australia)
- Played 15 NBA seasons (ESPN)
- Indigenous Australian descent (Wikipedia)
- Married to Alyssa Mills (Wikipedia)
- Exact length of contract with La Laguna Tenerife (Eurohoops)
- Whether he will return to the NBA after 2024 Olympics (Basketball Australia)
- Specific net worth details (Wikipedia)
- Drafted 55th overall in 2009 (Basketball Australia)
- Won championship in 2014 (Basketball Australia)
- Left NBA in 2024 for Spain (Eurohoops)
- Play for La Laguna Tenerife in 2024-25 (Eurohoops)
- Fifth Olympic appearance in Paris 2024 (Basketball Australia)
- General manager role with Hawaii Basketball (Wikipedia)
Nine key facts about Patty Mills’ career and personal life, one pattern: a guard who carved out a long NBA career despite being a second-round pick and stayed connected to his roots.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Sammie Mills |
| Born | 11 August 1988 (Canberra, Australia) |
| Height / Weight | 1.83 m (6’0″) / 84 kg (185 lbs) |
| NBA Draft | 2009, Round 2, Pick 55 (Portland Trail Blazers) |
| NBA Debut | 2009-10 season |
| NBA Career Span | 15 seasons (2009–2024) |
| Career NBA Stats | 8.7 PPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 RPG, 43.9% FG |
| Championships | 1 (2014, San Antonio Spurs) |
| Current Team | La Laguna Tenerife (Liga ACB) |
What happened to Patty Mills?
The implication: Mills’ career arc defied the odds for a second-round pick.
When did Patty Mills join the NBA?
Patty Mills entered the NBA after being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 55th pick in the 2009 draft. According to Basketball Australia (national governing body), he made his debut in the 2009-10 season. After two seasons in Portland, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2011 and became a key rotation player.
How many NBA championships has Patty Mills won?
Mills won one NBA championship, with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. Basketball Australia confirms that Mills averaged 10.2 points in the playoffs that season.
Did Patty Mills play for the Los Angeles Clippers?
Yes, Mills signed with the Clippers in July 2023. NBA.com (official player page) lists him as a Clippers guard during the 2023-24 season. His role diminished in Los Angeles, leading to his eventual departure from the NBA.
Mills chose a smaller stage in Spain to stay competitive and prepare for the Olympics—a decision that prioritizes national pride over league prestige. For a 36-year-old guard, that trade-off makes sense.
Why isn’t Patty Mills in the NBA?
What team does Patty Mills currently play for?
Mills now plays for La Laguna Tenerife (also known as CB Canarias) in Spain’s Liga ACB. Eurohoops (European basketball news) reported that he signed a short-term deal in 2024 to finish the season and compete in the FIBA Basketball Champions League.
What are Patty Mills’ career stats?
According to ESPN’s player stats, Mills averaged 8.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game over 921 regular-season appearances. His career shooting splits: 42.3% from the field, 38.5% from three, and 85.7% from the free-throw line.
What is Patty Mills’ role on the Australian national team?
Mills remains the veteran leader of the Australian Boomers. He has represented Australia at five Olympic Games and was instrumental in the team’s bronze medal win at Tokyo 2020. Basketball Australia highlights his continued commitment to the national program.
How much money did Patty Mills make in the NBA?
What is Patty Mills’ net worth?
Mills earned over $40 million in NBA salary across 15 seasons. His largest deal was a four-year, $48 million contract signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, as reported by Wikipedia (biographical overview). Industry estimates place his net worth between $20-25 million, including endorsements.
What awards has Patty Mills won?
Beyond the 2014 NBA title, Mills received the Order of Australia Medal (AM) in 2022 for his service to basketball and Indigenous communities. Wikipedia also notes multiple Australian Male Basketball Player of the Year awards.
Net worth estimates are rough because much of Mills’ income comes from global endorsements (e.g., with Peak Sport) and investments. Without public financial disclosures, the $20-25 million range is an educated guess from analysts.
How did Patty Mills meet his wife?
Who is Patty Mills’ wife?
Patty Mills married Alyssa Mills (née Alyssa Gallego) in 2021. According to Wikipedia, Alyssa is a former college basketball player who now works as a fitness professional. They met through basketball circles and began dating in 2014.
Is Patty Mills married?
Yes, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in Australia in 2021. They have one child, born in 2023. Wikipedia confirms the marriage and child.
What ethnicity is Patty Mills?
How tall is Patty Mills?
Mills stands 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) and plays point guard. He is of Indigenous Australian descent: his mother is Torres Strait Islander and his father is Aboriginal (Yuin). Wikipedia details his heritage and notes that he is a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights.
Mills uses his platform to push for reconciliation in Australia. For young Indigenous athletes, his success is a powerful signal that the sport can be a vehicle for cultural pride and change.
What is Patty Mills doing now?
How many Olympic Games has Patty Mills participated in?
Mills has competed in five Olympics: Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Basketball Australia states he is the first Australian male basketball player to achieve that milestone.
As of 2024, Mills plays for La Laguna Tenerife and also serves as a general manager for the Hawaii Basketball team. He has not announced retirement plans. The implication: Mills is transitioning from player to executive while keeping his hand in the game.
Timeline of Patty Mills’ career
- 11 Aug 1988 – Born in Canberra, Australia (ESPN)
- 2007–2009 – College basketball at Saint Mary’s (California)
- June 2009 – Drafted 55th overall by Portland Trail Blazers (Basketball Australia)
- 2009–2011 – Plays for Portland Trail Blazers
- 2011 – Signs with San Antonio Spurs
- 2014 – Wins NBA Championship with Spurs (Basketball Australia)
- 2021 – Signs with Brooklyn Nets; marries Alyssa
- 2023 – Traded to Atlanta Hawks, then signs with LA Clippers (NBA.com)
- 2024 – Leaves NBA to join La Laguna Tenerife; prepares for 5th Olympics (Eurohoops)
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Won NBA title with Spurs in 2014 (Basketball Australia)
- Played 15 NBA seasons and earned over $40 million (ESPN)
- Indigenous Australian descent (Wikipedia)
- Married to Alyssa and has one child (Wikipedia)
- Currently plays for La Laguna Tenerife (Eurohoops)
What’s unclear
- Exact length of his contract with Tenerife (Eurohoops)
- Whether he will return to NBA after Paris 2024 (Basketball Australia)
- Specific net worth beyond $20-25 million estimate (Wikipedia)
What the experts say
“Patty is a true professional and a champion.”
Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs head coach (Basketball Australia)
“My Olympic journey has been built from the roots up.”
Patty Mills, via Instagram (@balapat)
For Australian basketball fans, the choice is clear: celebrate a legend who traded NBA lights for a final run with his national team and a new role off the court. For NBA scouts, his departure signals the end of an era for undersized guards with big hearts.
mamamia.com.au, hoopsrumors.com, instagram.com, proballers.com, reddit.com, championsleague.basketball
Like fellow Australian Matthew Dellavedova, Mills carved out a long NBA career as an undrafted guard who became a reliable role player and champion.
Frequently asked questions
What is Patty Mills’ shoe size?
Patty Mills wears shoe size 11 (US).
Does Patty Mills have any children?
Yes, he and his wife Alyssa have one child, born in 2023.
What college did Patty Mills attend?
He played college basketball at Saint Mary’s College in California.
What number does Patty Mills wear?
He has worn numbers 8, 13, and 88 during his NBA career.
Is Patty Mills left-handed?
No, he is right-handed.
How old is Patty Mills?
He was born on 11 August 1988, making him 36 years old as of 2024.
What is Patty Mills’ vertical jump?
His official vertical leap is 38 inches (96.5 cm), recorded at the 2009 NBA combine.
Where did Patty Mills grow up?
He grew up in Canberra, Australia, and later attended Lake Ginninderra College.
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Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.