By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
Since 2012 and until the summer of 2017, Mike James had been playing in Europe with his best days being in Saski Baskonia (reaching the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s Final Four) and Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens (winning both the Greek League and the Greek Cup). His long-term dream, however, was to play in the NBA.
The dream that became reality
This past summer in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, he impressed the coaching staff of the Phoenix Suns with his performances and was able to reach a deal with Phoenix’s team. Almost twenty games into the season, Eurohoops analyzes his first couple of months in the NBA and what he has been able to accomplish so far.
His first 18 games in the NBA
The 27-year old rookie has had some great games, especially in the Suns’ wins this season, scoring and assisting his teammates. In the 18 games he has played, he has been able to average 11.4 points and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 38.3% from the field. James’ best game came against the Brooklyn Nets where he scored a career-high 24 points (9/16 FG) while also handing out five (5) assists and managing to steal the ball four (4) times. Showcasing his skills from beyond the arc he had 3/4 three-pointers, as he helped the Suns get the 122-114 victory on the road.
On October 23, 2017, against the Sacramento Kings, James had another notable performance as he scored 18 points and handed out seven (7) assists. He was also crucial down the stretch as he scored the game-winning lay-up over De’Aaron Fox with 14 seconds left on the clock.
His numbers in wins and losses
Phoenix Suns’ point-guard has had some games where he is struggling with his shot, but once he finds his rhythm, he is tough to stop. In the eleven (11) losses Phoenix has suffered this season, he is averaging just 10.5 points and 3.1 assists, shooting a poor 33.9% from the field while in the seven (7) wins, he is putting up 12.9 points, 5.4 assists and shoots a good 45.7% from the field. It is important to note that James would average 17.5 points and 6.1 assists if he played 36 minutes a night. He loves winning basketball games, is always up for a challenge and wants to make a statement in the league that he came to the NBA to stay.
James ranks seventh in the rookies points per game leaders list, in front of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Lonzo Ball, and Frank Ntilikina. As he gets more playing time and becomes more experienced with the different style of play, he will be a problem for the opposing defenses. James can run the court in transition, finish inside the lane with a powerful dunk or a tough lay-up, but also use his speed and tenacity to make quick plays. Finally, he can make electric plays, become a crowd favorite and hit the step-back three-pointer.
Diagram of Mike James’ shots so far
(Via Basketball-Reference.com)