Tier 3 – Familiar Faces
Patty Mills
Patty Mills is known more for his clutch shot-making than playmaking.
Yet, in both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2023 FIBA World Cup, he averaged a commendable 5.7 assists per game. He has 16 years of NBA experience, has played in 99 postseason games and has won an NBA championship, underscoring his IQ and pedigree. He was coached by Rockets head coach Ime Udoka for seven seasons, back in the days when he was an assistant under former San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. Last but not least, he’s made 38.5% of his career 3s.
There are concerns about Mills’s defense, especially at 37 years old. It may be a bit awkward to see a longtime Spur playing for an in-state division rival. However, there’s a lot that he has in common with VanVleet. He’s even a positive force in the locker room.
Cory Joseph
The best days of Cory Joseph‘s career are behind him but he did play 50 games with the Orlando Magic last season. In his 16 starts, Joseph averaged 6.9 points and 2.9 assists in 22.5 minutes per game, with .437-.377-.833 shooting splits. He also recorded a +7.5 plus-minus per 200 possessions. With a career-high of 3.9 assists per game, it’s fair to say he’s not a natural point guard. However, he’s an experienced ball-handler that’s been in the NBA for 14 years.
A former Spurs draft pick, Joseph’s another player who was coached by Udoka in San Antonio. This may not make him a better option than other potential signings. Nevertheless, the fact that the two were together for three seasons does speak to the possibility that they’ll find it easier to understand each other on and off the court.
It should also be noted that Joseph has earned respect around the league for his dogged defense. His impact at that end is declining with age; a common occurrence. Still, he’s the type of player that Udoka would respect, both because of his maturity and warrior mentality.
