Basketball On The Internet.

ONE-TIME New York Knicks coach and ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy is being linked to the head coaching role at the Los Angeles Clippers.

That's good news for our own Patty Mills, who is doing a wonderful job showing how a supportive teammate should behave with his antics on the bench for NBA Western Conference champion San Antonio.

Since replicating the examples of Aussie `ball legends such as Eddie Palubinskas, Ian Davies and Andrew Gaze by topscoring at an Olympic Games, it has to be said Mills' chances to shine on-court remain limited with the Spurs.

That's why Van Gundy's affection for the Boomers guard, especially if the Clippers rumors turn out correct, could be very handy.

JVG - the original and not to be confused with Jeff Van Groningen - was full of praise for Mills during today's TV broadcast of the Spurs' victory, noting the little Aussie's support for teammates on the floor, whether it was waving towels, high fives or patting them on the back.

"You know what I love? Patty Mills," Van Gundy said.

"I'm telling you, if I ever coach again, this is the type of guy you need to keep the energy up through a long NBA season."

From a purely selfish point-of-view, let's hope the Clippers come calling on JVG, and he can reunite Mills and Chris Paul for some practice battles sure to revive memories of their Beijing Olympics clash.