Patty Mills Signs with La Laguna Tenerife: NBA Veteran Heads to Spain
La Laguna Tenerife has added a significant piece to its roster, securing the services of Australian international point guard Patty Mills for the remainder of the Liga ACB season. The move, announced Friday, brings a seasoned NBA veteran to the Canary Islands, injecting experience and scoring punch into a team already boasting a core of established players. This marks Mills’ first foray into European professional basketball, a new chapter for the 37-year-ancient after a storied 16-year NBA career.
A Remarkable NBA Journey
Mills’ arrival in Tenerife represents the culmination of a remarkable basketball journey. Born in Canberra, Australia, on August 11, 1988, Mills has amassed over 1,020 games of NBA experience – 921 in the regular season and 99 in the playoffs – across seven different franchises. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers (55th overall), he quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile guard.
His NBA career included stints with the Portland Trail Blazers (2009-2011), San Antonio Spurs (2011-2021), Brooklyn Nets (2021-2023), Atlanta Hawks (2023-2024), Miami Heat (2023-2024), Utah Jazz (2024-2025), and most recently, the Los Angeles Clippers (2024-2025). It was with the San Antonio Spurs, under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich, that Mills truly flourished, becoming a key contributor and winning an NBA championship in 2014. During his decade in San Antonio, he averaged 10.2 points per game while shooting 42% from three-point range.
Beyond the NBA: International Success and Community Leadership
Mills’ basketball accomplishments extend far beyond the NBA. He’s a decorated international player, representing Australia in five Olympic Games – Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2024 – earning a bronze medal in Tokyo and serving as the Australian flag bearer. He has as well participated in three FIBA World Cups, showcasing his commitment to Australian basketball. Across 64 official appearances with the Australian national team, Mills has averaged 17.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Mills is recognized for his strong commitment to his community and his Indigenous Australian heritage. He is a proud advocate for his culture and the rights of his people, and leads the Team Mills Foundation, supporting various social causes. He was the first Indigenous athlete to be named flag bearer for Australia at an Olympic Games, a testament to his influence and respect both on and off the court.
Joining a Veteran Core in Tenerife
Mills joins a La Laguna Tenerife team already rich in veteran experience. He will team up with players like Marcelinho Huertas (42), Aaron Doornekamp (40), Gio Shermadini (36), and Tim Abromaitis (36), forming a formidable and experienced roster. La Laguna Tenerife currently holds an eighth-place position in the Liga ACB with a 12-9 record and also competes in the FIBA Basketball Champions League.
The addition of Mills provides a significant boost to the team’s scoring potential and playmaking ability. His ability to create his own shot, combined with his proven track record as a clutch performer, will be invaluable as La Laguna Tenerife pushes for a playoff berth in the Liga ACB and aims for success in the Basketball Champions League. For fans unfamiliar with the Liga ACB, it’s considered one of the top professional basketball leagues in Europe, known for its high level of competition and talented players.
What’s Next for Patty Mills and La Laguna Tenerife?
Mills’ immediate focus will be integrating into the La Laguna Tenerife system and preparing for upcoming Liga ACB and Basketball Champions League matches. The team’s schedule will be demanding, but the addition of a player with Mills’ experience and versatility should provide a significant lift. Fans can follow the team’s progress and Mills’ performance on the official La Laguna Tenerife website: https://www.cbtenerife.com/.
This move represents a compelling new chapter for Patty Mills, bringing his exceptional talent and leadership to a new league and a new continent. It will be fascinating to watch how he adapts to the European game and contributes to the success of La Laguna Tenerife.
