Patty Mills is licking his lips at the prospect of teaming up with Andrew Bogut again after watching him carve up the NBL on his return to Australia.
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The 30-year-old San Antonio point guard is enjoying a leadership role under Gregg Popovich this season, with his side seventh in the western conference.
And while 11 Australians have logged minutes this NBA season, the Spurs stalwart isn't forgetting the talent on offer back home.
A predominantly NBL-based Boomers squad has already helped Australia qualify for September's World Cup in China.
Bogut wasn't used during that campaign, but has emerged as an NBL MVP candidate after dominating around the rim this season.
Mills expects the former NBA No.1 draft pick-turned Sydney King to play a big role internationally over the next two years.
"He's a very big part of that; his experience, his presence and his ability ... you guys are seeing it first hand in the NBL at the moment," Mills said.
"As a point guard and a player I thoroughly enjoy playing with Andrew Bogut and the way he plays for his teammates and protects the rim and sets screens."
"(The NBL contingent) is what makes our team all-round stronger. You can't underestimate the full extent of our squad and how it can help."
Their Boomers reunion is likely to come in two games against the United States in Melbourne in August just prior to the World Cup.
Popovich will lead a USA team that could include any of the NBA's biggest names, with Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Chris Paul all part of the 35-man US squad.
None have taken part in the side's successful qualification campaign but Mills expects to see some familiar faces at Marvel Stadium in August.
"You never know at this stage, in the middle of an NBA season, what players will come forth," he said.
"But I can tell you no matter who's a part of that team ... there are going to be some stars.
"For me though it'd be cool for Kyrie Irving to play, being born in Melbourne."
About 90 per cent of tickets to both games against the US, on August 22 and 24, have been sold but the final few remain available from Ticketmaster.
Australian Associated Press
