Patty Mills to miss next two preseason games due to sprained ankle
The San Antonio Spurs will next play the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night at the AT&T Center in preseason action. However, they will be without guard Patty Mills who suffered a sprained ankle and will be out of action for a couple of games.
Patty Mills will miss the next two preseason games with a sprained right ankle.
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 9, 2012
With Mills suffering the injury it will allow the many other guards on the roster time on the court. Players such as Cory Joseph, and Nando De Colo should see more time and show the coaching staff what they can do.
Though one has to be wary if these types of injuries will spring up throughout the season from Spurs players who were at the Olympic Games this summer. Mills, along with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, De Colo, and Tiago Splitter (who has not seen any preseason action due to injury) logged some heavy minutes in London. Add that to a long run in last season's playoff and it could prove to be something to keep an eye on.
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I think its obvious that PM can score, but I do think he needs to work on his ball distribution. I think he is more "game ready" than CJ, but it will be good for CJ to get some playing time and see what he can do. I'm curious if Neal will be moved to the 2 spot and see if he can flourish in his natural position.
CJ's chance to step up. Mills was never actually good when the team actually needed him to be, and I don't think he's a solid backup PG. Seems like CJ really picked his play up over the summer, too
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@spurs123 I respectfully disagree. He was a none factor in the playoffs because of his unfamiliarity with the system in joining the team so late last season. Yet despite his unfamiliarity with the team, he still showed a variety of weapons in his offensive arsenal like his quick firing speed, hitting spur of the moment spot up threes, driving and kicking/finishing, and of course his passing when given time on the court. This was especially so in the last few games of the season in which he had a few 30 point games. While a lot of those points came from some of the second units of NBA teams like the Warriors, it was still quite impressive showing.
Also it is worth mentioning that Patty Mills was the only true point guard included in the All-Olympic 2012 team, over the likes of Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul. Granted, I understand most of those guards shared minutes, but that's still incredibly impressive.
I love Gary Neal. But I'm very disappointed to see Patty go out for these two preseason games as I am rooting for and believe Patty has not only the skills but also the IQ to be a very competent and effective backup to Tony. Either way, it will be fun to see how it plays out over the course of the season.
@ryankxlu I think Patty did an amazing job filling in at the end of the season, but you have to realize that almost all of Patty's points came from long 2 pointers and wild 3s. He's played under the Australian coach for the Olympics for the past few years, which uses the Spur system, so he should already know it.
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Well crap, that sucks. I guess its that much more likely Neal will play more PG..do not want GO CJ!! hehe
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@Spursfan66 haha yeah im rooting for CJ too. his defense is great and his passing game is good too. lets hope he plays good enough to move up the pg rotation!!
