James holds no grudges against Raptors; Mike James Call Interest In Him 'Surreal'

James holds no grudges against Raptors

LAS VEGAS -- Raptors guard Mike James continues to wear his heart on his sleeve, commenting on a variety of controversial topics yesterday, including some "hurtful" words from soon-to-be ex-teammate Chris Bosh.

In a radio interview this past off-season, Bosh made what appeared to be a veiled shot at James when asked what the Raptors need in a point guard. Bosh replied that the team needed a "pass-first" guard.

The knock against James last season was that he looked for a shot before a pass -- a reputation he rails against. James averaged 20.3 points per game, along with 5.8 assists.

"Yeah, that hurt my feelings," James said last night, in a phone interview with the Toronto Sun. "I guess I feel different about Chris than what he thinks of me."

James said he still thinks the world of Bosh, adding that he is disappointed with his teammate's choice of words.


"He's still my boy," James said. "I don't hold grudges against nobody. I'm too old for grudges. My wife (Angela) is pregnant with our third child. I've got other things to worry about."

Toronto general manager Bryan Colangelo has said that the team still is interested in keeping the 31-year-old James, even though the club recently traded for young point guard T.J. Ford. However, Colangelo added that the Raptors have only so much to spend and it's apparent that the Amityville, N.Y., native will sign with another team on July 11.

Surprisingly, James believes trading for Ford was a good move, even if it leaves him as the odd man out.

"That will make everybody happy and Toronto can easily forget about me when T.J. is playing," said James, who considers Ford a friend. "He'll bring a lot of energy, which is what everybody asked for. What Chris Bosh asked for.

"I think the Raptors are going to be the new Phoenix Suns, the Eastern Conference version of the Phoenix Suns," James added, of the team's projected fast-break style of play. "That's what Bryan Colangelo is striving for."

Free agent players cannot sign a new deal until July 11, but were allowed to start negotiating Saturday. James said interest in his services by other teams has been "surreal."

"I'm just tired of being treated like a cheap prostitute," James said when asked what kind of money he was looking for. "It's not about money. I just want a home."

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