Despite suggestions that Patty Mills’ chances of extending his stay with Portland were slim, the Australian point guard has secured the final roster spot in the 15-man Trailblazer squad after the the team’s final practise.

In a fortunate sequence of events, the Trailblazers waived centre Jeff Pendergraph after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season game.

Portland yesterday also traded point guard Jerry Bayliss for a conditional future first-round pick, freeing up some additional room for Mills to take his place.

"We like him, he's doing some good things," Portland coach Nate McMillan said of Patty before the decision was made.

The result makes the gamble of declining the numerous European offers a good one for Patty, as he continues to work towards the realisation of his NBA ambitions.