Fansided

NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 biggest x-factors

By Brandon Jefferson

March 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Patty Mills (8) and Tony Parker (9, right) talk on the bench during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Patty Mills (8) and Tony Parker (9, right) talk on the bench during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Patty Mills

The torch is getting passed again in San Antonio. Tony Parker’s age looks as if it’s finally starting to get the better of him. The french point guard is playing only 25.2 minutes per game (career-low) and besides 2011-12 lockout-shortened season his 62 games played are the second-lowest total he’s played as a member of the Spurs.

With Parker taking more of a backseat, it’s allowed Patty Mills to serve as next man up. He’s still a great shooter and helps move the ball on offense but he’s also made improvements as a defender.

Kawhi Leonard is easily the best defender in the league, but San Antonio has been able to build their team into one of the top defensive units in the NBA. Mills’ aggressive on-ball defense and general hustle are big reasons why the Spurs stifle most opponents.

Mills’ development has allowed Gregg Popovich to have more trust in the Australian to get the team set up in the offense. While Manu Ginobili and Leonard have taken on bigger roles as ball handlers the Spurs are no longer using Mills predominantly as an off-ball guard.

Parker’s decreased role was definitely done with a hope of keeping him fresh for an extended postseason run, but even if we see more of Parker it won’t necessarily mean a decrease in Mill’s playing time. The Australian is one of the best catch-and-shoot players on the team (40.7 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers) and if he can knock down those looks the Spurs offense is even better.