Why the Houston Rockets should consider signing Mike James
In a season where James Harden, Chris Paul and Eric Gordon have each had to play extended minutes, the Houston Rockets should look closely at free agent point guard Mike James for help in the backcourt.
After spending the first five years of his professional basketball career overseas in Europe, Mike James appeared to have finally discover a home down in the desert, where he impressed many around the league with the Phoenix Suns earlier this season.
The 27-year-old point guard became the first two-way contract player in NBA history to sign a standard contract.
He averaged 10.4 points and 3.8 assists per game for Phoenix after being called upon to officially replace Eric Bledsoe in the starting rotation.
Yet despite his stellar play, the Suns released James in a surprising move just days before the new year. The rookie who picked up the game so quickly has been on the open market for the past three weeks.
Sources: Phoenix is releasing guard Mike James. He joined the Suns on a two-way deal and was signed for remainder of season after making a strong impact, but now has chance to land elsewhere.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 23, 2017
"“We’d like to thank Mike for his contributions,” said Suns general manager Ryan McDonough following James’ release, per the Arizona Republic. “He made NBA history as the first two-way player to make a team’s 15-man roster, while also establishing himself as a bonafide NBA player.”“We needed to create a roster spot with Devin Booker and Davon Reed getting closer to returning.”"
While no one knows where James might potentially land next, the Houston Rockets should seriously consider giving the 6’1″ guard a serious look, as he could seek to fill up a spot on the bench and possibly serve as a viable insurance option in the absence of James Harden over the next few weeks.
Through 32 games, James showcased his ability to score the ball in Phoenix when given steady minutes this season. He scored 15 points or more for the Suns in 10 contests, all while finding a way to hold his own on one of the worse teams in the league following his performance at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas last summer.
If given the opportunity to play right away, James could prove to be an instant upgrade over the current guards on the roster such as Briante Weber. His ability to get to the rim and score is something that Houston’s bench could use with Eric Gordon back in the starting lineup.
With reports surfacing that the Rockets will waive Bobby Brown to sign swingman Gerald Green for the rest of the season, Houston could seek to add James on a 10-day contract, in the effort to try and acquire depth in the backcourt — making him one of the more less costly options, should general manager Daryl Morey go after the former Lamar product.
As expected, Rockets plan to guarantee Gerald Green's contract for the season, league sources tell ESPN. Deadline is Sunday. Rockets will waive guard Bobby Brown, sources said. He could return on 10-day deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 5, 2018
Should the Rockets decide to sign James, then head coach Mike D’Antoni could possibly have the piece he needs to keep his star-stuttered backcourt fresh down the homestretch.
Next: 2017-18 Week 12 NBA Power Rankings
The former EuroLeague star could spot either Paul or Gordon and team up with Green in the second unit to help Houston remain atop of the Western Conference standings in January.