BAKERSFIELD -- At the beginning of training camp, Warriors forward Chris Mills said he could sense his role with the team was diminishing. He said he could understand why, too. For one, the team had just given Antawn Jamison, who plays the same position as Mills, a six-year extension. For two, Mills, who will turn 32 this season, had missed most of the past two seasons because of injury.

He even joked about the organization phasing him out.

No chance. Not now. Mills' role with the Warriors just got a whole lot bigger. Put it this way: He's going to earn his co-captain status and his $5.4 million salary.