24
Oct
Aussies in the NBA
“FIBA Patty” could land with contender, says Longley
Three-time NBA champion Luc Longley. Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images
Luc Longley outlines pathway for Patty Mills’ NBA return as mid-season signing.
- Every Josh Giddey Chicago Bulls game in 2025-26
- Every game of Tyrese Proctor's rookie year
- Check out the latest NBA Scores and Schedule here
"FIBA Patty" Mills' decorated NBA career isn't over yet with Australia's most decorated player Luc Longley outlining a pathway for the First Nation's champion to sign with a team mid-season.
Three-time champion Longley, Australia's first NBA player, said: "If I'm a championship team and, mid-season, need a flame-thrower with some experience and pedigree, I'm signing Patty."
Mills, 37, is a free agent after closing out the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Longley, who was at Friday's Amazon Prime NBA season launch in Sydney, also said former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons could fill a role for a team that required his size and playmaking.
"For sure they're both talented, great athletes," Longley added.
"For a different recipe someone will want Ben, but I'm sure Patty's probably pretty sharp.
"He's probably laying in the weeds waiting for the right opportunity, waiting to get another ring.
"That's how I'd do it if I were Patty."
Mills is the general manager of the University of Hawai'i men's basketball program and head coach Eran Ganot said last week: "He would be here every day if he could. So this is the first year he just couldn’t. There’s been some, obviously, personal things — nothing negative — he’s just checking in from afar. He can’t wait to get here.
"And in the meantime, he’s been, you know, we probably talk every day, every other day. He talks to our staff, and we’re all on the same page."
Longley was also confident Australian Dyson Daniels would continue to evolve his game after winning the 2024-25 NBA Most Improved Player. He signed a four-year USD $100M contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks last week.
"I'd suspect his game's on the way to another level. I've heard and seen how hard he works and his team's seen that, because they've paid him," he said.
"He's got all the pieces; it's going to be fun to watch him."
