The Atlanta Hawks made a surprising move on Thursday, waiving 15-year veteran guard Patty Mills. In a corresponding transaction, the team converted the contract of guard Trent Forrest from a two-way deal to a standard pact.
Mills, 35, had been averaging 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 10.6 minutes per game off the bench for the Hawks this season. Despite his limited playing time, Mills maintained a respectable shooting percentage of 37.3% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc. The Hawks acquired Mills from the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, but his tenure with the team has now come to an end.
The Atlanta Hawks are waiving guard Patty Mills, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 15-year veteran is shooting 38.2 percent from 3-point range in a limited role this season. pic.twitter.com/6Pdxbz3Kxp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 29, 2024
Mills’ Accomplished Career
Throughout his illustrious career spanning 879 games, Mills has played for several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Hawks. A key contributor off the bench, Mills has averaged 8.9 points and 2.2 assists per game, leaving an indelible mark on the league. Notably, he won an NBA championship with the Spurs in 2014, showcasing his championship pedigree and leadership qualities.
Forrest’s Transition to Standard Contract
With the departure of Mills, the Hawks have shifted their focus to Forrest, a 25-year-old guard who has shown promise in limited opportunities. Forrest has averaged 2.0 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 20 games off the bench this season, and his contributions are expected to increase with his transition to a standard contract.
Clippers’ Westbrook Sidelined with Fractured Hand
In other NBA news, the LA Clippers received a setback as former MVP Russell Westbrook fractured his left hand during their recent victory against the Washington Wizards. The injury occurred in the first half of the game, leaving Westbrook’s availability uncertain moving forward. The Clippers will miss Westbrook’s energy, athleticism, and leadership on the court as they navigate through his absence.
Impact on Clippers’ Rotation
Westbrook’s injury presents a challenge for the Clippers, who have relied on his playmaking abilities and intensity throughout the season. With Westbrook sidelined, the team will need to find alternative solutions to maintain their competitive edge. Players like Bones Hyland may see increased playing time as the Clippers adjust their rotation to compensate for Westbrook’s absence.
Optimism Amidst Adversity
Despite the setbacks faced by both the Hawks and Clippers, there remains optimism for the future. While Mills’ departure marks the end of an era in Atlanta, Forrest’s promotion signifies a new opportunity for growth and development. Similarly, the Clippers will look to rally together and overcome Westbrook’s injury as they continue their pursuit of success in the NBA.
Comments