This is awful news, but could help the Spurs hold on to a key piece.
The Associated Press is reporting that Spurs point guard Patty Mills will be sidelined for up to seven months with a right shoulder injury.
Mills has withdrawn from Australia’s campaign for the Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 World Cup in Spain and will undergo surgery in the next few days to repair the rotator cuff in his shoulder.
The news comes hours into the NBA free-agency period where Mills was expected to land a good deal.
Mills played through pain during the NBA season and scans revealed the wear and tear just two weeks after he helped the Spurs win the title.
Mills scored 17 points for the Spurs in the clinching Game 5 as a backup to Tony Parker.