mike james is still the same player he was in toronto. if given the reigns to be tmac in this offense, i could see him potentially putting up similar numbers as his season in toronto. the only difference is that he doesn't have the privilege to be the #1 option this year. we all look at the percentages of the toronto season and think "wow we have a damn good 3pt shooter here". we all thought that he would be the answer to our pg 3 pt shooting problems of last season. i thought he would be the perfect replacement for rafer alston. however, the more i watch him play in the toronto season and compare him to today, i realize that he is more comfortable shooting off the dribble and creating his own shot himself. in this offense, his role is to take spot up 3 pt shots either in the corners or on the elbows. this isn't his game. i really don't think he'll ever replicate those numbers he had in toronto, not because he's not the same player, but because of what he's asked to do for this offense.
I'm surprised in the regard that I figured if James could thrive in any system, it would've been Adelman's motion offense, where guards are given freedom to make plays and take shots. Am I surprised that James is a selfish, one-dimensional player who provides no help at all when he's not scoring? No. That's always been him. The thing about Rafer and Francis is they're not one-dimensional. For what Rafer lacks in his shot, he makes up for in decision-making, passing and defensive play. For what Francis lacks in scoring, he's had history as a fine rebounder and penetrator who can create for others and himself when given the opportunity. Right now, the Howard-for-James trade looks horrendous. Howard could've helped with leadership and a presence in the locker room and he also could have helped as a sound scorer and rebounder on the court. I believe he truly could have mentored Scola efficiently. For the Rockets' sake, I hope James finds his stroke and starts hitting. If he doesn't find a rhythm by February, Head or Brooks need to get his minutes and James can find a warm seat by Deke.
James is the rocket player I like the least. He doesn't bring any intangibles, he's useless when he's shots are off, he likes to ball hog, jack up shots. Motion offense??? Not with James around. At least Francis is willing to change, but James? No, he's mike james.
The play last game where he got stripped and didn't bother chasing down A-Ig before the dunk, leading to Battier chewing him out....that bothered me. That immediately brought to mind Kurt Thomas-Marbury from a couple years back. Cut the check Mike. For those saying he should be at the 1 - why do you think Rick has completely quit trying to plug him in there? It isn't because Rafer and Steve are perfect there.... Evan
Mike James is the single player I've been most disappointed in. It's really bad out there watching him jack up shots, blow layups, not defend. I don't know what happened between Toronto and here (other than a decent contract), but it ruined Mike James. Minnesota was smart to get rid of him. The Rockets were suckered.
He is selfish, I had my doubts about him being a good teamate after players like Bosh and Garnet basically said they didn't like playing with him.... And after watching him get into it with Tmac the first time he was here. That said, I liked his fire and enthusiasm........I thought the team needed someone to be that way.....Mike James is not it. DD
Would Juwan helped us during this stretch? I would think so. Not only on the court, also in the locker room...
If only Sura has his knees. MJ has skills but don't really care about success of this team. And it show when he step on the court.
