If Saturday was an indication of what he can expect in his first year in Brooklyn, Patty Mills can’t wait.
The new Nets guard was floored by the atmosphere of Saturday’s public workout, which featured an overflow crowd at picturesque Brooklyn Bridge Park.
“It’s such a fun environment to be in,” Mills said. “With the fresh air, obviously the view, the music, I’m really enjoying it.”
The annual event included several fan giveaways, such as miniature basketballs, T-shirts and autographs from Nets players. The Brooklynettes Dance Team, Team Hype and The Brooklyn Nets Beats Drumline performed prior to the Nets’ arrival. The team shot around, played a game of knockout, and rookies Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, Kessler Edwards and David Duke Jr. staged a dance competition.
“This is probably the best location you could probably have an open practice in the world,” head coach Steve Nash told the crowd during a brief on-court interview about the upcoming season.
Mills got a kick out of the day and even did some juggling for the crowd. But he didn’t do well in the knockout game. He can work on that for next year.
“I’m not a good outdoor shooter, I’ve come to realize,” he said with a smile. “I need to tidy up on that.”
The only Nets player not in attendance was veteran forward Paul Millsap. He is currently in the league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.