SVD
Years ago
Bill Simmons is doing a 6 hour chat now on ESPN.com and this question came up - thought you maybe interested
Bill Simmons: (6:16 PM ET ) Can't do that one because it's NBA AS Weekend but I really want to do a St. Mary's game, supposedly their Australian point guard is amazing. Patrick Mills? I think that's his name.
InfoGawd
Years ago
Will he go to the NBA next year or the year after is the question?
Joe M
Years ago
Give him 3 years at St Mary and his will be drafted.
Aussiebballer
Years ago
He would have to be consistently amazing to get draft first round due to his height 5'10".
Second round is very possible as teams seems to looking for fast pg lately.
If he hows the ability to defend taller pg (ie 6'2"-6'4") he could go late first.
NBA teams seem to worry about short pgs getting posted up by guys like Baron Davis.
InfoGawd
Years ago
I'm with you LockStock. Aussieballer, I think he is / will be. The thing is this.... If he didnt have the ability to defend taller guys at that height (he does) will those same guys be able to defend him?
M Dizzle
Years ago
The issue is with the bigger point guards posting up they are right near the basket and can consistently either score or draw fouls on their shorter opponent. Yes the smaller quicker guards can beat them off the dribble but they still have to finish over shotblockers at the rim.
twenty four
Years ago
Do we have to have this same topic (Mills to the NBA) every week?
If he is quick enough, both up and down the floor and with his shot release, he can overcome the size difference. Compare him to TJ Ford, both sub 6 foot guys, both quick and both capable passers. TJ couldn't shoot coming out of college, but still was able to be effective. Patty clearly can shot it, and also has quickness. He also can pull up on the spot and get good evelation before his release, which combats the height difference. Maybe he doesn't have TJ speed, but is lightning quick none-the-less.
The only major thing standing in his way is the fact that he is at a mid-major college, but that can be overcome by St. Mary's making the Tourney. If he can take a small school to success, and put up solid numbers consistently, then he can most definitely make it. Maybe not this year, as the PG spot is DEEP in 08, but he could end up a first round pick in a couple of years.
Ricey
Years ago
not to mention he has already proved all of the above playing for Aus
twenty four
Years ago
Yeah, but playing against Paul Henare is alot different to facing up against someone, you know, good.
lockstock
Years ago
The Olympics have, in the past, helped a lot of players to improve their NBA chances - Newley, Heal in Australia and many others from Europe. I think if he puts in a strong performance in Beijing (and I think Goorjan surely HAS to start him now) then he should be a shoe-in.
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