Canberra basketball star Patty Mills has 65 million reasons to smile, but the one that matters most has nothing to do with the NBA. Mills smiles because of his indigenous heritage.
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In a world away from the NBA glamour, Mills spent almost two weeks dancing, fishing and exploring with family and friends in the Torres Strait Islands before launching an Australia-wide tour on Wednesday.
It was the perfect way to rejuvenate before being unveiled as a Commonwealth Games ambassador and starting a book tour for his new series, 'Game Day!'.
He will be at Belconnen on Sunday to meet fans and speak about the book, which follows his journey from school to the world's best basketball league.
The 28-year-old admits he's still pinching himself after signing a mega contract to stay at the San Antonio Spurs.
But the humble point guard joked "I'm just a little indigenous boy who likes to dance" and he hopes to inspire a generation to follow their dreams.
That's why a chance to visit family elders and refresh in remote parts of Australia were the perfect reminder of Mills' heritage and inspiration.
"I am still pinching myself," Mills said of his deal with the Spurs.
"I'm just a little indigenous boy who likes to have a dance. It's times like that when you realise all the sacrifices you do along this journey and it pays off.
"I love basketball and I love playing it, but there will be a stage in my career when I have to hang the basketball boots up, which is why I'm more than happy to have my culture with me.
"That is something that will never die, I'll be able to pick it up when I come back to Australia like it's never left."
Mills, the NAIDOC person of the year, has been a proud ambassador for his Aboriginal and Torres Strait heritage since breaking into the NBA almost a decade ago.
The three-time Olympian was the inspiration for an Aboriginal art collection at the San Antonio Museum of Art earlier this year and his pride prompted Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to tell the rest of Mills' teammates about Eddie Mabo.
He will be an ambassador for the Commonwealth Games even though his NBA commitments won't allow him to play, but he's hopeful he can inspire others the way Olympic champion Cathy Freeman inspired him.
"It's funny how things work. For me, Cathy Freeman was definitely my idol and inspiration growing up," Mills said.
"Everyone saw what she achieved on the track ... but for me it was how she carried herself as an indigenous woman. For me, that's what caught my eye and why I wanted to be like her.
"A very down-to-earth person who just went about her business the best way she could. I've always looked up to her, I know she gets embarrassed when I say that, but it's true.
"Now I'm in a position hopefully I get to do the same things to a lot of other Australian kids out there. I'm trying to help inspire kids to achieve their dreams and never give up."
Mills was weighing up his future before re-signing with the Spurs earlier this month after the Spurs were knocked out of championship contention.
The point guard market has exploded in recent weeks, with Kyrie Irving requesting to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Spurs are rumoured as a potential destination, keeping Mills on his toes before he returns for his seventh season at the franchise.
But the former Canberra Cannons ballboy is focused on life off the court and making sure his journey be an inspiration for others, starting with his book series.
"I never thought I'd be involved in writing a book," Mills said.
"To teach lessons and values and different things about what I went through and how to help you go about your journey to achieve your own dreams and aspirations."
