In an historic moment for Australian basketball, Naghiralgal, Meriam and Kokotha man Patty Mills has officially become the first Australian player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career games.
The veteran guard, known for his leadership on and off the court, achieved this incredible milestone playing for Utah Jazz against Orlando Magic yesterday.
The 36-year-old has spent over a decade in the NBA, carving out a legacy as one of the league’s most respected and enduring figures.
Since making his NBA debut in 2009 with the Portland Trail Blazers, Mills has played for multiple franchises, including the San Antonio Spurs, where he won an NBA championship in 2014.
He later went on to play for the Brooklyn Nets before landing with his current team, where he has continued to provide valuable contributions both as a starter and off the bench.
Mills has also made his mark on the international stage, representing Australia in numerous Olympic Games, FIBA World Cup tournaments, and international competitions.
He has been a pivotal figure in the Australian national team’s success, leading them to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In 2021, Mills established Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA), providing basketball programs to Blak youth to nurture and develop talent whilst inspiring our young people to be proud of their culture and identity.
In his 1,000th NBA game, Mills’ presence was a celebration not only of athletic excellence but also of cultural pride.
As the first Australian to reach this incredible milestone, Patty Mills has firmly established himself as a trailblazer whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
