| 22 October 2009
It’s hard to tell right now who is more surprised about whom Portland selected to round out their roster by selecting Patty Mills as the 15th man.
Jarron Collins could read the writing on the wall the past couple weeks. He knew it wasn’t going to be him. The smart money was on Ime Udoka – the man himself surely had to feel the job was his. Come Thursday, neither will be with the Blazers.
Then along came the hobbled yet hungry Mills.
No summer league. No training camp. No preseason.
No problem.
Nate McMillan was apparently out-voted on this one. It’s not the first time. It won’t be the last time either.
It’s been reported since the start of training camp and throughout the preseason that McMillan preferred the final roster spot be utilized by a player with a) experience and b) who could provide depth. But when the mandate came down from above, all McMillan could do was be resigned to the fact that he’d just added yet another guard to his already strapped backcourt.
Word is this decision was a money saving move.
For Mills though, this is where he’s wanted to be all along. He probably isn’t surprised in the least.
Last month, David Patrick – Mills’ mentor and Australian National Team and St. Mary’s assistant coach for Patty – said something that’s resonated these past few weeks as Mills was present at Portland’s Fan Fest, but not with the team last week when the Blazers signed him.
Now it appears Mills will get that chance – once he finally gets healthy that is.
Yet something tells me the surprises aren't over.
photo: benjamin golliver/blazersedge
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