8 Houston Rockets that never played a single minute

4. Patty Mills

Patty Mills was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009 and spent two seasons in Oregon before signing with the San Antonio Spurs in 2012. Under Gregg Popovich, Mills became one of the better reserves in the league, as he understood his role and played it well.

Mills spent 10 seasons in San Antonio and became the unquestioned heart and soul of the team. The Australian guard won a championship with the franchise in 2014 and had a huge impact on the Spurs' dynasty throughout his tenure.

Mills made reliable 3-point shots time and time again and was able to give Tony Parker and Dejounte Murray a breather whenever need be. Mills ranks second all-time in 3-pointers made in Spurs history and always embraced his role as a spark plug off the bench.

Mills averaged 9.4 points and 38.9 percent from three in San Antonio and bolted to join the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. At the end of the 2022-23 season, Mills was traded to the Houston Rockets, netting the Rockets a 2024 second-round pick and seemingly a veteran presence with championship experience, who has familiarity with Rockets coach Ime Udoka.

However, the Rockets traded Mills to the Oklahoma City Thunder almost immediately, quelling any excitement about his contributions.