A lot has happened since we were in the thick of the NBA Playoffs in May for our Aussies.

Patty Mills has been able to make a controlled decision on his future and some intriguing news has risen from Mills’ past.

Plus Aleks Maric and Nathan Jawai are being looked at by several NBA teams this off season. Is one of them your favourite team?

Aussies Currently In The NBA

Patty Mills

Mills has taken the freedom that his contract offered him by opting out of his 1 year, million dollar deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The Sydney Morning Herald also reports that is was because Mills wanted to chase more money on the open market.

It doesn’t mean that San Antonio is out of the running to retain his services, Patty now becomes a restricted free agent which allows the Spurs to match any offer given to him by other clubs.

If no team bids on Mills he will remain with the Spurs as they have reportedly put out a qualifying offer for him (projectspurs.com).

This also means that bar any severe changes Mills will remain in the NBA for at least 1 more season, giving himself the chance to propel his career against the best competition in the world.

With less than 30 days to go before the Olympics get underway, the Boomers have stepped up the training.

With Mills’ future now sorted out his sole focus is on the Olympics to develop a team that can compete with the likes of Argentina, France, Spain and America.

Photo Credit: www.nbamate.com

Andrew Bogut

While Bogut is recovering from his ankle surgery he is in Australia catching up with friends, family and football. Andrew is a big Essendon fan and he was interviewed with Eddie McGuire on Fox Footy Thursday night.

The two of them talk about everything from Bogut’s nasty injuries and trash talk, to why he owns 10+ cars in the United States and Australia.

It gives the NBA fan an insight into what Bogut is currently going through during the off season and his thoughts on the rest of the NBA and AFL.

The 15 minute interview can be found at foxsports.com.au

Photo Credit: www.blogs.thescore.com

Mills Multi-Talented

It’s been brought to light that the Sydney Swans AFL team, according to the Herald Sun approached Patty Mills several times to consider switching from Basketball to Aussie Rules.

Patty was made an offer from as early as year 10 from the Swans and it was a tough decision for Mills to turn it down.

“I ended up going to the AIS instead. It wasn’t easy. I tossed and turned about what sport to play.” Patty Mills

That wasn’t the last time they tried, Sydney made one last attempt right before the 2009 NBA Draft which Mills had entered.

But Mills’ passion belonged more in Basketball than it did the AFL.

What must have attracted the Swans the most would have been Mill’s speed. His kicking game musn’t be too bad either for the Swans to dwell over a player this long in another code.

Photo Credit: www.couriermail.com

Aussie Players Receiving More Attention

NBA scouts are finding more to like about Australian Basketball as Aleks Maric and Nathan Jawai have both had workouts with multiple NBA teams.

Aleks Maric has generated 4 teams interest in the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.

He has worked out and interviewed for all 4 which leaves him hopeful that he made his mark with at least 1 team.

“I don’t want to hold my breath, but I did my best, a good Olympics will boost that.” Aleks Maric

The summer league is out of the question for Maric as his Olympic duties will overlap the period, which may slightly hurt his chances. A strong Olympics against quality opponents though might turn that into an advantage.

Nathan Jawai has also captured the eyes of renowned talent finders the San Antonio Spurs.

According to the ABC Jawai worked out for the Spurs in Texas 2 weeks ago. This would be a return to the NBA for Jawai after he played with the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors 4 years ago.

Also Julian Khazzouh is currently on the Lakers Summer League Roster to play in Vegas (thanks @traread)

Photo Credit: www.daylife.com

Australian Basketball is alive and kicking with obvious growth compared to this time last year.

Are you as proud as we are about our Australian Basketballers?

Photo Credit: (top) www.newsday.com