NBA: Under The Radar Reserves Contributing Big Time

Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs

Mills has been an ever-ready presence off the bench for the Spurs for a number of years now. But this season, he has taken his game to a new level. Despite still backing up point guard Tony Parker, Mills’ numbers are up across the board.

For the season he is posting 10.4 points and 3.5 assists in 22.2 minutes per game. His efficiency has been outstanding, hitting 47.4 percent overall from the field and 42.6 percent from behind the arc on 1.9 makes per game.

The Spurs are presently 28-7 and are again having a fantastic season. Notably, the Spurs are 19-1 this season when Mills scores 10 or more points. His importance to the success of the team can also be demonstrated in San Antonio’s production when he is on and off the floor.

Offensive Rating (San Antonio’s points scored per 100 possessions)

• Mills On Court: 113.9
• Mills Off Court: 107.8

Defensive Rating (Opposition points scored per 100 possessions)

• On Court: 98.2
• Off Court: 103.6

These numbers equate to a net rating of +15.6 when Mills is on the floor, and just +4.2 when he’s off the court. With Parker soon to turn 35 and playing the lowest minutes of his career, Mills’ contributions are going to be essential come playoff time.

While Mills has made a name for himself due to the scoring and energy he provides off the bench, his playmaking and ball handling skills shouldn’t be underestimated. His assist-to-turnover ratio this season is 2.5:1, an excellent return. He demonstrates this aspect of his game in the clip below, executing a great lob to Dewayne Dedmon during the Spurs’ Christmas Day game.

But one basic stat that can illustrate the impact Mills has had on yet another hot start to the season by the Spurs the team is an overall +228 when Mills has been on the floor. This represents the best return of any player on the Spurs roster.

Now 28 years of age, Mills has proven he truly belongs in the league.