Mills was weighing up his options from this past season

After six seasons, two NBA Finals and one championship ring with the San Antonio Spurs, Mills had to decide whether to move to another team, and potentially find himself a starting role somewhere, or remain with the most successful organization of the past two decades where he may not get that starting role but would continue to evolve as a basketball player within the famed Spurs culture.

As the calendar turned over to 2018, the Spurs finds themselves in a familiar position — right near the top of the Western Conference and on pace for what will be their 19th consecutive season winning at least 50 games.

The Spurs continue to do Spurs things, but it hasn’t been easy.

Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks.

Mills attributes the team’s ability to sustain through adversity to the Spurs’ system and culture.

His on-court numbers have dipped marginally this season from last, but head coach Gregg Popovich says that’s more to do with the manner in which he’s had to use Mills this season due to injuries.

Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs stretches before the game against the Utah Jazz.

That leadership role is part of the reason why Mills decided to remain in San Antonio this past summer.

Spurs’ Mills gives voice to indigenous Australians Mills says the Spurs don’t know the secret to beating either of those rivals just yet, but he believes that health, and improving their defense, will be critical approaching the playoffs.