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Aussies in NBA: Mills adds Australian touch to preseason

Matt Hickey

Sep 29, 2016

After an off-season in Rio, Patty Mills is back in the black & silver. This week he took part in media day, and was also interviewed at day one of training camp.

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/780456935522840576

This season is a big one for Mills. The absence of Tim Duncan, along with an ageing backcourt means he will no doubt have to step up again. At training camp the Aussie was quizzed on the impact of Duncan's retirement.

"It's obviously different I guess, I think the onus is on the rest of the guys who have been here for a while now to be able to follow on from the legacy that he has built here." he said.

Mills also discussed Duncan's replacement --Spanish star Pau Gasol-- stating that, "... he is the type of player that can adapt to the system". However when media personnel asked him about interaction with Gasol at the Olympics, Mills kept his answers short and sharp. There's no doubt he's still feeling the pain from that bronze medal game.

The Spurs' Twitter account had an #AskPatty feature on media day, allowing fans to send in their questions to the Australian point guard. Mills was at his finest when answering, bringing an Aussie touch.

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/780444828752416768

He was also asked about the origins of his playing number. Mills explained that it came from from his uncle, Sam Mills. What he didn't add, was why Sam chose that number. He has previously said it was probably due to Malo's law, something used in the Eddie Mabo case. The god Malo came to earth in the form of an octopus, hence the number 8. Find out more in Alexander Wolff's piece for Sports Illustrated over here.

We all know Mills is passionate about representing his country, and that passion was once again put on show, when talking about his experience at the Olympics.

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/780445049083400193

Media day, and the start of training camp, mark the beginning of a long NBA season. For Mills and his fans, it is hopefully the season of the Spur.

View Mill's full training camp interview here.