Before their first practice together in months Saturday, the San Antonio Spurs held a team meeting to discuss social justice before heading to the court.
On Monday, Spurs guards Patty Mills and Derrick White discussed what that meeting was like and they also addressed a few other questions from the media.
“It was probably the best way we could start by being back together again,” said Mills. “It’s not only a topic that everyone’s passionate about, but also directly involved in.”
“Being able to have these open and honest conversations,” said Mills.
“I think it was cool we’ve been able to hear people’s stories,” said White. “Coming together as a team, to make the world a better place.”
In a recent interview, Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich called Mills the “spiritual leader of our team.” Mills talked about how Popovich has been a strong influence on him.
“Obviously I’ve been able to pick a lot of things up from him,” said Mills of Popovich. “He’s a big part of the reason I’ve been here for so long. All these years I’ve been able to learn from him, not just basketball.”
Prior to heading to Orlando, Mills announced he was going to donate his salary from the restart games to different social justice groups in Australia.
White said he’s looked up to Mills as a leader.
“Patty’s amazing,” said White. “On the court and off the court.”
“That’s the kind of guy he is,” said White of Mills donating his salary.
