Patrick Mills to play in National Basketball League during the NBA lockout – Basketball News
With the lockout taking effect, the National Basketball Association players are busy weighing alternative playing options. Portland Trail Blazers point guard Patrick Mills is the latest player to have joined the bandwagon. Mills
is looking to play in the National Basketball League with the Australian team Boomers.
Mills said in a statement, “Being a free agent I haven't actually signed with a team for next season, but I will definitely play for the Boomers in September. The most important thing for me is to find somewhere to play. Right
now there is no rush in making a decision - it will come over the next couple of months. Portland have offered me a qualifying contract which is the same position I have been in the last couple of years.”
Mills first priority is Portland therefore as soon as the NBA lockout will settle down, he will return to the States. Until then, Mills is looking not to utilize his time and will stay with the Boomers.
Earlier Mills was doubtful for the three game series against New Zealand, but on Tuesday Patrick confirmed his availability for Australian side. However, after the series Mills does not have much to do as he is a free agent.
Australian side also includes Andrew Bogut and big men David Anderson. However, both are not available to suit up for Australia. Bogut cannot join Australia, as they are not providing insurance while Anderson has signed a three
a year deal with an Italian club.
Still in the absence of these players, Mills believes that Australia can defeat Kiwis. The Aussies will play the series at home and would have the home court advantage. Having said so, Mills also added that with Kiwis “you never
know”.
The Boomers squad consist of 24 players that feature Brad Newley, Matt Nielsen and Joe Ingles from Europe. Currently the squad is training on the Gold Coast. The warm-up games for the Oceania Olympic qualifiers will take place
in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney from 7-11 September.
On the other hand, owners and players are looking to resume the talks on the new Collective Bargaining Agreement in order to replace the previous one. However, the two sides are still miles apart from each other over the new deal.
So it seems that slow process of negotiations will affect the next season.
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