Patty Mills has reached yet another milestone in his illustrious basketball career, becoming the first Australian to play 1,000 games in the NBA. This historic achievement occurred during the Utah Jazz's 105-92 victory over the Orlando Magic on January 5, 2025, where Mills contributed two rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes off the bench.
Mills, now 36, has been with the Jazz primarily to mentor their youthful roster. This season, he has only appeared in ten games, having last played on November 10 before being called up again to celebrate this landmark moment. Remarkably, this milestone came exactly 15 years and one day after Mills first set foot on the court for the Portland Trail Blazers.
During his impressive NBA career, Mills has played 902 regular-season games and 98 playoff games. He stands out among his fellow Australians, as the next closest player is Joe Ingles, who has made 768 appearances. Mills's pro career started off at the Blazers, but he found his true rhythm with the San Antonio Spurs, where he became one of the key players and contributed to their successful 2014 championship run. His performance during the finals, where he averaged 10 points per game, solidified his status as one of the league's reliable players.
His achievements extend beyond the NBA, as Mills has also excelled on the international stage. He made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by leading the Boomers, Australia’s national basketball team, to their first-ever Olympic medal, winning bronze after scoring 42 points against Slovenia. His contributions to basketball have been recognized multiple times; he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to basketball and his charitable work within the Indigenous community.
Throughout his career, Mills has consistently broken grounds and set new records. Notably, he was the first Australian player to achieve 1,000 three-pointers and also holds the record for being the first to captain the Boomers to Olympic success. His legacy is underscored by his ability to inspire younger generations; as he stated, "I was once the little boy looking up to role models such as Cathy Freeman... Now I can only hope to inspire many young boys and girls [in Australia],” pointing to the connection he feels with his heritage and the sense of responsibility he embarks on as he guides the next generation.
The Utah Jazz have been using Mills's experience strategically. Even though he hasn't been prominently featured this season, his role as mentor has been invaluable, especially with younger players like Keyonte George missing from games. One commentator pointed out during this auspicious game, "They're going to bring in Patty Mills, with Keyonte George out tonight," highlighting the anticipation around his return to action.
Despite his limited role this season, Mills still exhibits his prowess, supported by his experience and NBA knowledge. The Boston Celtics even lauded his performance history and remarked on his significant impact during visits to their games. Mills is well-remembered and cherished by fans, particularly within the Spurs organization's community. Many Spurs enthusiasts reminisced about his influence on the franchise, posting nostalgic comments about wanting to see him return to San Antonio.
With his contract expiring soon, speculation surrounds Mills's future. Australian basketball franchises are already eyeing the potential of welcoming him back home to finish his career. Questions remain about whether he will continue with the Jazz or retire from the NBA altogether, but his immediate goal remains clear: to guide and support his teammates. “I think my presence... is where this starts,” Mills stated, signifying his commitment to seeing younger players flourish.
Looking back on his 1,000th game and the culmination of his career, it's unmistakable: Mills has made indelible marks on both Australian and international basketball. His dedication to the sport and the contributions he has made resonate through the league and beyond. Whatever the future holds, he has certainly left his mark as one of Australia's most celebrated basketball figures.