Terry Mills, an American professional basketball player, enjoyed a career in the NBA that spanned a decade. Born on December 21, 1967, in Romulus, Michigan, Mills first gained attention for his basketball prowess during his high school years. He went on to play college basketball at the University of Michigan, where he was part of the Wolverines team that won the NCAA Championship in 1989.
Mills entered the NBA when he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 16th overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft. However, he was soon traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he began his professional career. His time with the Nuggets was brief, and he was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he started to find his footing in the league. Mills played two seasons with the Nets, showcasing his ability to score and rebound effectively.
In 1992, Mills joined the Detroit Pistons, a team that would become a significant part of his career. Playing as a power forward, he became known for his shooting ability, particularly his proficiency in making three-point shots, which was somewhat unusual for a player of his position at the time. Mills' ability to stretch the floor with his shooting added a valuable dimension to the Pistons' offense.
During his tenure with the Pistons, Mills became a fan favorite and was affectionately nicknamed "Sugar" for his sweet shooting touch. He played five seasons with Detroit, and his best statistical year came in the 1994-1995 season when he averaged 17.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Mills' performance during this period solidified his reputation as a reliable scorer and a competent rebounder.
After his stint with the Pistons, Mills had brief periods with the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers. His role with these teams was more limited, but he continued to contribute as a veteran presence and a capable shooter off the bench. Mills returned to the Pistons for a final season in 1999-2000 before retiring from professional basketball.
Throughout his NBA career, Terry Mills played in over 600 games, averaging 10.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
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