Boomers point guard Patty Mills is optimistic his move to China will pay big dividends for Australia in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics and pave the way for a return to the NBA.
Mills joined Xinjiang Flying Tigers, leaving NBL team Melbourne Tigers, last month on a deal reportedly worth upwards of $1 million before the NBA lock-out was resolved and a season start date set for Christmas Day.
Without an opt-out clause in his contract, Mills cannot return to the NBA until the end of the Chinese season in March.
His future with NBA team Portland Trail Blazers uncertain, Mills felt China was the best option and the bonus for Australia's Olympic campaign is his greatly increased court time as a starting player with the Flying Tigers.
Mills wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring a game-high 42 points in a 121-108 victory over Tianjin Rong in his team's most recent outing.
Agent Bruce Kaider says Mills "absolutely" retains the long-term goal of playing in the NBA.
"There were no guarantees in Portland. He would've had to go back there and fight for a spot and he may not have even been in Portland," Kaider said.
"He probably wouldn't have played the minutes he will in China.
"Certainly leading into London 2012 I think it's important for Patty and the Australian men's program that Patty is actually playing minutes and working on his game and developing his game."
Mills announced himself as an NBA talent when he helped Australia reach the quarter-finals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and he was drafted by Portland in 2009.
Kaider is confident if the dynamic guard can continue his current form through until the Olympics in July, NBA scouts will again take notice.
"Beijing was his coming out Olympics where people got to see him and what he could do for the first time really at an international event at that level," Kaider said.
"I think London is going to be the evolution of Patty, where he's developed, how he can lead his team and how he can progress the Boomers beyond where they've been in the past.
"Without putting too much pressure on Patty, London is going to be a really important milestone for the next five years of his career."
AAP
Tags: basketball, sport, china First posted December 05, 2011 15:39:04
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