By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Mike James will make his first trip to Houston since he chose to sign as a free agent with the Timberwolves, rather than the Rockets, because the Rockets would not include a "trade kicker" in his contract. "All of our greatest strengths are at times our greatest weaknesses," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "His biggest strength is his own confidence and his work ethic and his emotion, and at times, maybe that's been his greatest weakness. But I think you have to take the whole package." The package he gave us and gave Toronto and is giving Minnesota is a good package. ``I really respect Mike. I didn't like the decision he made this summer, but he made the decision he thought was in his best interests.'' James scored 30 points in a 112-92 win in his first game against the Rockets last season, getting into brief altercation with Juwan Howard. ``We want Mike James to be launching,'' Tracy McGrady said. ``That takes away from Kevin Garnett. That will help us out. Any time there is a little controversy between a team and a player, guys want to come out and try to put up numbers. As long as we get the `W,' I don't care if he gets 50.'' James averaged 12.4 points in 27 games with the Rockets in the 2004-05 season before he was traded on the eve of the 2005-06 training camp. ``Mike did really well here in the time he was here,'' Van Gundy said. ``He puts a lot into the game and he did a great job here. He's highly emotional and highly verbal. You accept the whole package. I appreciated his energy and effort. He had a great half a year here. "He had a great year last year in Toronto. I always really, really respect those guys, undrafted and fought their way into the league when no one expected it to happen, guys like him and Chuck (Hayes).'' Howard questionable Rockets forward Juwan Howard, who struggled with a bruised abdominal muscle on Saturday before leaving the game in the second quarter, went through only the shooting portion of Monday's practice and is questionable to play tonight. With Kirk Snyder (broken hand) and Bob Sura (knee rehab) inactive, Bonzi Wells could make an appearance on the active roster tonight, but that does not mean he would be active. He worked out Monday, but coach Jeff Van Gundy said Wells' status has not changed. ``If Juwan says he can't go in a game, you know he's hurting,'' Van Gundy said. ``He's been very durable here. I don't take it lightly that he missed the second half (on Saturday).'' http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/4363751.html
James made a bad choice if he has any desire to compete for a championship and the fame and glory that goes along with it. Let's prove that to him tonight, I don't care if he goes off for 40 as long as we end up 10-4 after the final buzzer.
JVG still wants Mike James. And Mike James skillset completely fits what our team is trying to do both offensively and defensively. The Rockets should watch the Wolves record and roster situation very closesly
If he had chosen the Mavs instead of us, fine. But he went to the wasteland known as the Minnesota Timberwolves and says he has been "cheating" the fans. With 0fers in 2 of their last 3 games, he's right.
If we had Mike James there would be no V-Span & Bonzi! I still remember after he signed w/ the wolves he had the guts to say he did it for us. Somthing like he wanted to give V-Span a chance to come here and play so he did it for him. The guy is so big headed he couldn't admit it was all about HIM! SCREW YOU MIKE JAMES
How can anyone hate Mikey Jameschise? He plays hard and is a generally good guy off the court, too. Van Gundy says he'll take Mikey's whole package (though I don't know where he plans on taking the package), and so should all of us.
Wow what would we ever do without Bonzi? Fat chicks from InDaMix wouldn't have a knee to straddle......
I'm not saying Rafer is a better shooter， but he runs the team better than James, usually launches wide open 3s, and 38% is not bad. On the other hand, James often launches 3s with a man in his face when there is better options available. He could have hit a much higher percentage if he is smart enoughto wait for open jumpers, team offense also could be more effective if he does that.
Do you have any evidence to back this up? Given the restraint and lack of FGA's for James this year (he is shooting significantly less than Alston, who is jacking up 3's at a team record pace), I highly, highly doubt this. How many Wolves games have you seen this year? I have watched 2-3 and I have yet to see this happen on a regular basis. People frequently stereotype James as a high-turnover ball hog, mad bomber -- it's simply not true - and then when he defers to other players they crack on him for not scoring enough. It's just silly. ....and yet, he still shoots as well or better than Rafe despite being as you claim, covered all the time when he shoots (which he is not, but we're just using your argument). What does that tell you about Rafer and about how James would flourish here if he had open shots? If James took as many shots here as Rafer did and managed to hit between 40% and 44% - the Rockets would be absolutely deadly.
The problem with James's shoots being covered is that Rox had BETTER options at that moment. I remember when James played with Rox, his shot selection was not good. When he had a shot, he'd take it despite Tmac or Yao was open too. That definitely affected the team offensive efficiency. Even though Alston is not a better shooter than James, he usually would pass to Yao down low when he and Yao both have a shot, and Yao shoots a better percentage. Alston takes 3s when there is no better options at that moment, and makes 38%. that alone makes up for his shooting deficiency. James just doesn't get it. Otherwise he'd be an upgrade over Alston for sure. But that's his basketball IQ. James's offensive flaws are equally big as his offensive skills. If he's really that good like you said, why would Toronto let him go for nothing?
