After injuring himself in the beginning of training camp, turning down offers from Europe, Patty Mills’ hard work and patience has paid off after signing a two-year deal with the Portland Trailblazers.

“It feels like I finally got the gorilla off my back.” Mills said. “It was a massive gorilla and there were times when I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but finally I’ve got rid of it and now I just want to be part of the team.”

“This is amazing, it’s such a good feeling,” said Mills.

Mill was drafted 55th overall by the Blazers in the 2009 NBA Draft, but injured himself July 9th,

The 15th and final roster spot came down to Mills, Nigerian international Ime Udoka and Jarron Collins. With NBA active rosters of 12, Mills could be starting with the  Iowa Stampede, Portland’s NDBL team.

The NBA season begins Tuesday, October 27, 2009.