The Canberra basketballer left the capital yesterday to fly back to the United States and edge closer to his NBA dream.

He has almost recovered from the broken foot which crippled his bid to secure a contract with the Portland franchise.

Mills will have an X-ray on October6 and is expected to be cleared to return to the court.

He will then need to bounce back to his sparkling best immediately to convince Trail Blazers coaches and management he has a future in the world's best league.

Portland has just one spot left to fill on its NBA roster for the season which begins on October27.

''They've kept in regular contact to see how my foot is going so at least I know they're still keen and interested,'' Mills said.

''The goal is to play in the NBA not Europe.

''There are some offers from overseas clubs, but Portland haven't got rid of me yet so that's good signs and that's where I want to be.

''It's certainly going to be challenging and ideally Europe is out of the question ... it's more about me marking myself in the NBA and cementing my spot there.''

Portland took Mills at pick55 in the NBA draft in June.

But on the first day of practice with his new club, the 21-year-old broke his foot and was ruled out of action for four months.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times