Australian point guard Patty Mills is on the verge of reigniting his NBA career, and could find himself thrust straight into action.
Mills is understood to have agreed to an in-principle deal with the San Antonio Spurs and a delay in getting a United States work visa is believed to be the only impediment.
It would be a huge move for the 23-year-old, who would link up with Australian national team coach Brett Brown at the Spurs, where he is an assistant.
Should the Spurs' move come off, Mills could find himself press-ganged straight into big minutes after number one point guard Tony Parker injured a hamstring in their win over Minnesota on Thursday.
With backup TJ Ford forced into retirement recently because of injury, the Spurs had to use players out of position to fill the role against the Timberwolves.
Star Argentine swingman Manu Ginobili shared duties at the point with shooting guard Gary Neal, and the pair will probably have first call on the role.
Sources have told the San Antonio Express-News that Mills is already listed on the Spurs roster, but cannot participate in team activities until his visa issue is settled.
Mills has been in career limbo since a deal with China's Xinjiang Flying Tigers late last year fell apart after the club accused him of faking injury - an allegation he strenuously denied.
His NBA club Portland Trail Blazers had a full roster and, after a protracted battle to get his clearance from China, the Blazers decided to renounce their rights to his contract.
That frees the way for Mills to join the Spurs, who are on track for the NBA play-offs.
Mills had spent two seasons with the Blazers, playing 74 NBA games.
The Spurs have had previous success with Australians, with Andrew Gaze part of their 1999 championship-winning side.
Mills has also been nominated for the Australian NBL rookie of the year award to be announced next week after he started the season at the Melbourne Tigers during the NBA lockout.
AAP
Tags: basketball, sport, united-states, australia First posted March 23, 2012 18:00:45
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