By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The past couple of years Rick Pitino is enjoying his opportunity to coach and face top EuroLeague players. Among them Mike James. The Panathinaikos OPAP boss noted via Twitter that the explosive point guard is a perfect fit for the NBA.
“Euroleague guard Mike James of CSKA is perfect for today’s NBA,” he wrote, “Great scorer and pick and roll guard. Would love to see my Knicks give him a serious look.”
Pitino took over the Greens in December 2018 and was rehired last November. The 2019 Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy recipient himself has went through a pair of stints with Panathinaikos, but last season was a member of AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan and moved to CSKA Moscow for his current campaign.
James, also a former Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans player, posted 16 points last year against Pitino and added 30 more in their first 2019-20 encounter. However, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer guided his team to the “W” on the road in both occasions.
The Portland-born point guard has certainly made a name for himself in Europe’s premier club competition. Has taken part in 133 games averaging 15.2 points per contest. Spent only part of his 2017-18 season in the NBA, before opting to stack up some more buckets overseas.