Boomers guard and NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova believes Patty Mills could be set for the best season of his career.
The 33-year-old is averaging 14.5 points on 52.5 per cent shooting, 2.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds through four games with the Nets.
His highest average over a season to this point was his 11.6 points per game with San Antonio in 2019-20.
“I think he is (in career-best form) right now,” Dellavedova told SEN Breakfast.
“He took it to another level at the Olympics and he’s just continued that form. He’s in great shape, he’s as quick as ever, and he’s obviously shooting it well.
“I think playing with KD (Kevin Durant) and (James) Harden, he’s going to get more open looks than he’s ever had. He’s in for a big year.”
While Mills has parlayed his Tokyo form into minutes with the Nets, Ben Simmons, who didn’t compete at the Olympics, continues to sit out in Philadelphia.
Relations between the 25-year-old and the organisation have thawed since Simmons revealed he didn’t feel mentally ready to take the court.
The 76ers are no longer fining Simmons for missing practice and matches, while All-Star teammate Joel Embiid has asked Philly crowds to support the Australian.
“It’s a tough situation he’s in right now,” Dellavedova sympathised.
“He had a tough end to the year and needed to have a break, but I think there’s no culture like the Boomers team culture.
“It’s just a good environment where everyone supports each other, it’s competitive, you have fun away from the court.
“We’re hoping he can be a part of it in the future.”
Josh Giddey missed the cut for the team in Tokyo, but spent time in camp soaking up the experience of Mills, Dellavedova, Joe Ingles, Aron Baynes, Matisse Thybulle and others.
Drafted to Oklahoma City with the sixth selection in the NBA draft, the 19-year-old has started all three games so far.
Most recently, Giddey posted 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Thunder’s 115-103 defeat to Philadelphia on Monday morning (AEDT).
“He’s off to an awesome start,” Dellavedova enthused.
“I think he’s going to have an unbelievable career and he’s going to be a member of the Boomers for the next decade plus.
“Having him in camp and getting to know him was awesome, and I can’t wait to watch him this year.”
Dellavedova says it will suit Giddey’s development to have been drafted to a stable team outside a major market.
“I’ve only heard good things about the organisation in terms of the strength and conditioning program, nutrition, how they treat the players,” he explained.
“It’s a great spot for him to just continue to develop his game and his body.
“It’s not like being in a crazy city like New York, there are less distractions to worry about.”
Dellavedova will suit up in the NBL with Melbourne United this summer, having spent 12 years in the United States.
A veteran of nine seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks, he explained how Giddey can manage the 82-game grind.
“Take care of your body,” Dellavedova proffered.
“It’s a grind, he’s going to be playing a lot of minutes and he took a hard fall the other night.
“Just take care of your body, keep building up your strength and taking care of those little details and then don’t get too high and too low.
“There are lots of ups and downs over the course of a season and a career, and you just have to try to stay as level as you can.”
Giddey and the Thunder next take on the Golden State Warriors at 11am (AEDT) on Wednesday morning.