Patty Mills Should Be On San Antonio Spurs’ Christmas Wish List
Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs have seen better days. They’ve lost five out of their last seven games, two in triple-overtime mind you, and they just look down right depleted at the moment. Gregg Popovich has resorted to subbing in five guys at a time and he may be in semi-panic mode. In the midst of this little bump in the road, the Spurs must have Patty Mills at the top of their Christmas list.
The absence of the fifth-year spark plug has been costly for San Antonio. At face value, Cory Joseph doesn’t offer the same type of backup minutes as Mills did. Even though Joseph’s 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists are up from a year ago, he doesn’t maintain that same x-factor that Mills offered when he came off the bench.
Mills has a knack for making multiple momentum shifting plays at crucial moments in the game. These come in the form of big three-pointers, a hustle play, a needed defensive stop or just being a motivated teammate for others. His fire for the game is contagious and without him, the Spurs appear to be flat at times this year.
Of course there is plenty of basketball left to be played and Mills isn’t the solution to the Spurs’ woes, but his return will be a refreshing sight when it happens. Mills is on schedule to return in January and he has already been cleared for contact in practice. The gift of Mills might be a little late this year, but the Spurs will gladly appreciate it nonetheless.
Winston Harris is a San Antonio sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @winstonharris34. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
LeBron Needs to Lose His Pathetic "Chill Mode"
LeBron James admitted he was in "chill mode" on the court this weekend, something which is both concerning and, quite honestly, embarrassing. Read More
5 Best Moments For 76ers In 2014
2014 was a rough year for the Philadelphia 76ers, but amidst all of the struggles, it wasn't all bad. Here are the 76ers’ five best moments of this past year. Read More
5 Worst Moments For the 76ers In 2014
2014 was filled with many low points for the Philadelphia 76ers. Here are the five worst moments for the franchise in 2014. Read More
Heat Having Trouble Hopping Over The Hump
The Miami Heat are struggling to turn this season into a positive. Read More
Heat Should Spend Player Exception On Guard
With Josh McRoberts out for the season, the Miami Heat have been granted a disabled-player exception. They would be wise to spend that money on a backup guard. Read More
LeBron, Cavs Still Need More Consistency
Following a blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to fix some areas of concern. Read More
Jazz Pass the Test In Measuring Stick Game
Don't look now, but the Utah Jazz have won four of their last five contests. Read More
Raptors Taking Flight In West
Despite predictions proving otherwise, the Toronto Raptors are off to a perfect start in their Western Conference road trip. Read More
Lakers Need To Maintain Balanced To Succeed
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns in a tough game on Sunday night, but it was their balanced attack that was most impressive. Read More
Trail Blazers Proving They're Title Contenders
The Portland Trail Blazers aren't often thought about when considering the elite teams in the NBA. However, they continue to roll along following a 101-79 blowout victory over the New York Knicks. Read More
Bucks' Use Of FACS Goes Too Far
Professional sports teams will do anything to build a championship team, but the Milwaukee Bucks have run afoul with their latest initiative. Read More
Lakers Need To Make Moves Now
The Los Angeles Lakers should not wait until next year's draft to start preparing for the future. The time is now to make moves. Read More