Point guards were popular in Thursday night’s NBA draft, but 16 of them were picked before Patty Mills heard his name.

The 20-year-old Australian, who entered the draft after his sophomore season at Saint Mary’s College, was chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 55th overall pick.
Mills had been projected as an early second-round selection, but he was still on the board even after the Minnesota Timberwolves picked their fourth point guard of the night.
Asked why so many teams passed on him, the Australian Olympic standout said, “No idea, mate. No idea.”
Joined by his parents at the draft at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Mills acknowledged things got a bit tense after a while. But the long wait didn’t spoil the occasion.
“It was a great evening, a special one because I got to experience it with my family,” he said. “Obviously, things didn’t go as to plan, but there’s nothing I can control about that.
“I’m just so proud and happy that my family were there. They’re on top of the moon.”
Mills became the Gaels’ first NBA draft choice since the Golden State Warriors selected Peter Thibeaux in the fifth round in 1983. He is the school’s highest pick since the then-Philadelphia Warriors grabbed Tom Meschery in the fifth overall spot in 1961.
“He’s the first guy who got drafted from here in like 20 years and it’s exciting,” Gaels coach Randy Bennett said. “I know this — the Trail Blazers got a great person, and I think he can play in that league.”
According to one Western Conference scout, not every team was sure about that.
No one argues Mills brings great speed to the game. “They’re all talking about how fast (Ty) Lawson is free-throw line to free-throw line,” the scout said. “I think Mills is faster. He’s a blur. In the open court he’s great.”
The same scout suggested that in halfcourt situations Mills has shooting guard skills, but a point guard’s body at not quite 6 feet tall.
“That’s something he’s got to overcome,” the scout said. “Because of his size and how he played with the Aussies, he’s always regarded as a point guard. I didn’t see him breaking down and creating. He’s most effective when the ball is not in his hands and he’s coming off picks.”
Mills 18.4 points and 3.9 assists for the Gaels this season, missing a stretch of games late in the season after breaking his hand in a game at Gonzaga.
Second-round picks do not get guaranteed contracts, so Mills will have to earn his spot on Portland’s roster. He said he’s ready for that challenge.
He said the first day of practice will be more important than draft night.
“Hopefully, I can show up there and prove to them I can play at this level and I belong on a roster,” Mills said.
Veteran Steve Blake, 29, is the Blazers’ starting point guard, but backup Sergio Rodriguez was traded Thursday night. Former Arizona floor leader Jerryd Bayless was Portland’s No. 3 point last season.
“I know they’re a very young team and an exciting team,” Mills said. “An opportunity to play in the NBA has come tonight. I’ve got to make the most of it.”