Racine Journal Times - Bucks Looking at Mike James

Racine Journal Times
WOELFEL: Bucks deal with issues
By Gery Woelfel

It's the offseason and nary an NBA basketball is being dribbled in the Bradley Center, yet there seems to be more news concerning the Milwaukee Bucks now than during the regular season.

Consider: * It's hardly a secret the Bucks are deeply concerned about T.J. Ford's spinal problems.

Ford, the Bucks' dynamic young point guard, re-injured his spine late in the regular season and never played again. He subsequently underwent cervical spine surgery which, by all accounts, was successful.

The company line coming out of Bucks' headquarters is that Ford is progressing and will report to training camp in the fall. And that will likely be the case.

But just because Ford will be in camp doesn't mean he'll be able to play at the hyper-active pace he used to or needs to do to be successful.

What I have gleaned from some individuals close to Ford is the diminutive point guard might not play at all during preseason. What's more, he might not play for possibly the first couple of months of the regular season.

That's not exactly good news for the Bucks or their fans. Ford is arguably the Bucks' most valuable player. A Ford-driven Bucks team is definitely much better than one with Ford sitting idly in the shop.

But the Bucks would be making a mistake, a monumental one, if they rushed Ford back too soon. He is merely 21 years old. The Bucks need to look at the big picture and see the long-term benefits a healthy Ford can provide them - even if it means next season could be over before it starts.

With Ford's availability for the early portion of next season, or beyond, in serious doubt, the Bucks need an insurance policy. Mike James could be that.

James was a backup for the reigning champion Detroit Pistons last season and is currently a free agent.

Several teams covet him, although none may need him more than the Bucks.

Doug Neustadt, James' agent, isn't tipping his hand on where James may be headed, but he made it clear Bucks general manager Larry Harris has called him more than a telemarketer.

"I don't want to say much, but we're talking,'' Neustadt said. "We're definitely talking.''

http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2004/07/27/local_sports/columns/iq_3010813. eml

 

http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2004/07/27/local_sports/columns/iq_3010813. eml

 

Why are the Bucks not interested in Damon Jones???

 

He wants to be the bona-fide starter on a team with championship aspirations???

...well then, lower your salary expectations, and sign for half the MLE.

 

The Heat made a run at both Mike James and Damon Jones, but were detered by their salary expectations...that's why they decided to go with a cheaper Kenyon Dooling at about $750k...