JCK
Years ago
Would Patty Mills play for Sixers?
Article from todays Sunday Mail Pg. 68
Could Patrick Mills play for the sixers? Lock-out set to open door:
by Jai Bednall
'THE Adelaide 36ers believe they will be Patrick Mills preferred playing destination if he decides to head to Australia during an expected NBA lockout next summer. A salary dispute between NBA team owners and the players in the US is threatening to delay [or cancel] the start of the 2011/12 season, potentially opening the door for out of contracts players like Mills to play overseas.
Sixers basketball operations manager and part-owner Richard Hill says the relationship Mills has with Coach Marty Clarke and his affinity with Adelaide leaves his club well placed to secure the point guards signature, if he chose a visit home over a more lucrative European shirt.
Portland Trailblazers point guard Mills was coached by Clarke at the AIS, is a Crows supporter and his mother Yvonne, grew up in SA.
"If he was going to play in Australia we'd be top of his wish list. There's no doubt about that," Hill said.
"He's got an affinity with the club and the coaches. But it's still very early days. We've had casual discussions around the club but we certainly haven't talked to Patty. That would be premature and unprofessional."
