Mills has proven he can beat Heat
Now the veteran point guard says he is ‘stoked’ to join them
DALLAS — Patty Mills didn’t think he would have some explaining to do, that a decade later all would be forgotten or at least forgiven.
But now that he has joined the Miami Heat on the NBA buyout market, there is that bit of history regarding how the veteran point guard shot the San Antonio Spurs past the Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals, including scoring 14 third-quarter points in the series-clinching victory of that series.
“That was 10 years ago. I didn’t think that I was going to get that question now,” the 35-year-old
Australian said with a laugh Thursday morning, as he prepared for his first night as a member of the Heat. “I was hoping a decade would hopefully wipe that out.
“But yeah, obviously part of this journey. I guess there’s some back story of what happened 10 years ago. But I’m still also pissed about what happened 11 years ago.”
That, of course, was when Ray Allen hit his decisive 3-pointer and the Heat beat Mills and the Spurs in the 2013 NBA Finals.
“It goes both ways, I think,” he said with another laugh. “There’s a lot that I have to give. There’s examples of that 10 years ago about what I can bring and provide. So I understand there are Miami fans that are still pissed at me. But look, I’m here to give all and everything that I have to this organization while I’m here.”
It is because of that extended tenure with the Spurs that Mills sought something similar in terms of culture. So he agreed to a buyout from the Atlanta Hawks to join the Heat during this playoff race.
“Look, been around for a little bit now and kind of experiencing the NBA there was an opportunity there of becoming part of the Heat culture was realistic,” he said ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. “I think where I’m at in my career and to be part of a culture like this, a winning environment, one goal in mind, and understanding the different aspects of people playing their part, playing their role and to be able to achieve a goal there, I think that’s been the backbone for me and what I’ve come from.”
Mills’ arrival comes in the wake of Heat guard Josh Richardson undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery Wednesday, and with
guard Tyler Herro away from the team due to ongoing foot pain.
The agreement on a minimum-scale contract for the balance of the season came without assurances of his role.
“First and foremost, just understanding I just want what I can bring just in terms of my personality and professionalism, understand how you go about carrying yourself as an elite athlete and all those things,” he said. “I think those things have gotten me to where I am today and being part of an environment I think is that next level kind of elite. I’m sure over time now there’s conversations that will be had. But in the time being, it’s just how I can slide in here without being too much of a hassle.”
With the time with the Spurs easing this step.
“Being in San Antonio and being part of that culture for so long I think has prepared me and has gotten me ready for something like this,” he said. “But you look back at both cultures and the success they’ve had and they continue to have over the years, there’s a culture here and you don’t throw around the culture word that deeply without it having some deep meaning and deep roots to that thing.”
It is the first time in Mills’ 15 seasons he has switched teams at midseason.
“I think there are a lot of positives in something like this,” he said. “The opportunity to come over and slide into a culture, a winning environment that has one goal in mind to be the last team standing, is such a refreshing feeling for me to be around again. How I can impact that is exciting. But nothing is ever given to you on a silver platter and I’ve understood that for a long time. So just embracing those challenges.”
As introspective as he was with his thoughts Thursday, so was the decision to move from his career-long No. 8 to No. 88 with the Heat.
“It’s kind of a funny story, I guess,” he said. “No. 8 was taken (worn by Jamal Cain). It’s a funny deal, but it’s more so of a mirror image. I am No. 8, but why not throw another No. 8 in there? It’s like looking at yourself in the mirror and doing some self reflection of the journey that has been and also what’s to come, as well.
“It doesn’t take much for me, mate, just to jump in there and just absolutely stoked to be part of this. I’m ready to go.”