James 'wowed' by Johnson, approaches final answer - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

johndacs · 07-11-2006, 04:12 AM

The NBA's top remaining free-agent point guard should be off the market soon.

Mike James is expected to announce his next team Tuesday after meeting face-to-face Monday in Las Vegas with Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson. James then returned to his offseason home in Houston to choose between the Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, all of whom have been negotiating with James during the Vegas Summer League. It's believed that each of those teams is offering the 31-year-old a three-year deal starting at the $5 million mid-level exception.

The front-runner?

Judging by James' comments over the weekend in Los Angeles at a charity basketball game hosted by Baron Davis and Paul Pierce, it's the Mavericks.

And that's largely because of the former pass-first point guard chasing the shoot-first point guard who's coming off a breakout season in Toronto.

"The biggest 'wow' in this whole situation has been Avery Johnson," James says. "I respect him as a coach, but we have a relationship beyond the court. We've been friends for some years now. I've always respected Avery, even as a player when he had that broke jump shot. But he has a ring and he knows what it takes to win. He's been the person who has wowed me the most through this process."

James added that potential suitors must meet two requirements.

Championship contention is No. 1.

"These three teams want to win," James said. "Kevin Garnett tells me he doesn't want the playoffs, he wants to win the championship. Houston wants to get back to that point, and they've already got two superstars.

"Dallas was two games away," James continued, noting that the Mavs are closest to meeting the first prerequisite. "That's a very important factor for me."

No. 2?

"I want a team that wants to win, but also believes that I'm a significant piece," James said. "It's about trust. That's one of the main things I'm focused on. Do you really believe in me?

"These teams tell me they do. For them to say, 'Mike James, you're a significant piece,' that humbles me. With all the stuff I've been through -- everyone telling me I can't, can't, can't -- I'm humbled that these three teams believe in me."

While he stops short of requiring a spot in the starting lineup, James isn't shy about his belief that he should remain a starter.

"I was top 20 in every category besides rebounding, blocked shots and steals," James said. "There's over 400 players in the NBA, so I think I've proven what I'm capable of. All I can do is continue to work and erase all the critics minds."

And according to James, the critics have been hard at work, hounding him throughout his career. Following a stellar college career at Duquesne, James went undrafted before eventually singing with the Heat as a free agent in 2001. Over the next four seasons, James bounced between Boston, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Houston, respectively, before the Rockets dealt him Toronto on the first day of training camp last October.

James went on to establish new career bests in minutes per game (37.0), assists (5.8), rebounds (3.3) and points (20.3). He became just the second undrafted player in NBA history, after John Starks, to average 20 points in a season.

While some might credit the jump in production to contract-year motivation, James says it was a product of increased playing time, a lifetime of hard work and a love for the game that saved him.

"If it wasn't for the game of basketball, I know what I would have done, and it wouldn't have been nice," he said, referring to his rough childhood in Amityville, N.Y. "The only other thing I knew was the streets. Basketball was my way out, so the only thing I can do to give back to the game is play with my heart."

While James continues to ponder a decision that will alter the course of his career, he already knows where he'll be when that decision is announced.

He dreams of a press conference.

"I never had the chance to wear that hat on the podium in front of the media," James said. "I told my wife, I'm going to the podium because I've never done that before. For me to just do that once, I'm awed by it. I'm thankful."

Sam Alipour is a contributor to ESPN The Magazine.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2515905

chumdawg · 07-11-2006, 04:19 AM

He's coming to Dallas.

Quetzalcoatl · 07-11-2006, 04:33 AM

I don't want James, but with this article... Chumdawg is right.

Evilmav2 · 07-11-2006, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumdawg

He's coming to Dallas.

I completely agree, CD. The Cheap Prostitute is almost certainly coming to Dallas, and I can't imagine that he didn't pick up a full MLE for five years in the process...

Wiley_e · 07-11-2006, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johndacs

"Houston wants to get back to that point, and they've already got two superstars."

So that's what he consioders himself..???

He really seems to like to talk about himself a lot

MavKikiNYC · 07-11-2006, 06:47 AM

Quote:

"I want a team that wants to win, but also believes that I'm a significant piece," James said. "It's about trust. That's one of the main things I'm focused on. Do you really believe in me?

He dreams of a press conference.

"I never had the chance to wear that hat on the podium in front of the media," James said. "I told my wife, I'm going to the podium because I've never done that before. For me to just do that once, I'm awed by it. I'm thankful."

Mike, you're a piece alight. Dreams of a press conference?

I didn't like the Stackhouse acquisition, but that turned out alright. I wasn't impressed with the Diop sigining, but that turned into a very pleasant surprise. I'm totally unimpressed with Mike James as a player and for the life of me can't understand AJ's fascination with him...is it just that he's the pick of this year's free agent litter? Here's hoping that AJ is seeing something that is invisible to me (once again).

madape · 07-11-2006, 06:52 AM

not sure if I agree he's a front runner. The rockets are offering a longer term deal, can promise more playing time, and from what I understand, James loves the city. I doubt that the possibility of a ring or the opportunity to play under Avery would really be that important to James. It's not as if the Rockets won't be a playoff team next year or that they have a terrible head coach.

My guess is that Duffy is using Dallas as leverage to get a better deal out of Houston.. perhaps something with that trade exception of theirs.

DNNF · 07-11-2006, 08:19 AM

Let's Houston sign him. Let's give the PT to Devin. There's no way Houston would win a championship with the injured prone TMAC, Yao and the ball-hog James.

Drbio · 07-11-2006, 08:19 AM

Does anyone really actually like the City of Houston?

Happiness is Houston, TX in the rearview mirror.

dalmations202 · 07-11-2006, 08:21 AM

Quote:

My guess is that Duffy is using Dallas as leverage to get a better deal out of Houston.. perhaps something with that trade exception of theirs.

Wouldn't surprise me at all, just because of Duffy.

I am still under the belief, that "what comes around, goes around" though.

Bookit · 07-11-2006, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madape

not sure if I agree he's a front runner. The rockets are offering a longer term deal, can promise more playing time, and from what I understand, James loves the city. I doubt that the possibility of a ring or the opportunity to play under Avery would really be that important to James. It's not as if the Rockets won't be a playoff team next year or that they have a terrible head coach.

My guess is that Duffy is using Dallas as leverage to get a better deal out of Houston.. perhaps something with that trade exception of theirs.

Agree with Ape on this one. Houston still is his likely choice. It will be interesting to see if Avery can pull this off.

dalmations202 · 07-11-2006, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drbio

Does anyone really actually like the City of Houston?

Happiness is Houston, TX in the rearview mirror.

Planet Houston is definately it's own little world.

jthig32 · 07-11-2006, 08:30 AM

He's going to Houston, I think.

He wants to start.

Flacolaco · 07-11-2006, 08:30 AM

Hearing him talk about himself like that makes me very nervous about all of this.

Will he totally ruin the chemistry of this basketball team if he comes here?

Come on Houston, help us out for once......

MFFL · 07-11-2006, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavKikiNYC

I didn't like the Stackhouse acquisition, but that turned out alright... Here's hoping that AJ is seeing something that is invisible to me (once again).

Maybe acquiring James will allow AJ to become less reliant on Stackhouse. Which would be a good thing.

Drbio · 07-11-2006, 08:47 AM

Worse case scenario...we do an S&T for even more money.

kingmalaki · 07-11-2006, 09:05 AM

That article makes things look good for the Mavs, as y'all are definately closer to winning a title than the Rox or Wolves. I'm still lost as to why you would want James though (at that salary). I think harris is a stud and needs more minutes....

Eman · 07-11-2006, 09:12 AM

Harris could be a stud, but isn't yet. Let them fight for playing time. If harris is better, he'll play more, if James is better, Harris will watch from the bench.

It's called competition, nothing wrong with that.

XERXES · 07-11-2006, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drbio

Does anyone really actually like the City of Houston?

Happiness is Houston, TX in the rearview mirror.

Is this the first Mack Davis quote to ever make it's way onto D-M?!!

Do you people not know what you have witnessed?? This is, at the very least, historically significant!

I stand in awe of the greatness of the one who calls himself DrBio.

mavsjunkie · 07-11-2006, 10:01 AM

James would only come here if they can guarantee him a starting role IMO.

Rhylan · 07-11-2006, 10:18 AM

I've changed my stance. I truly hope the Mavs can grant the great warrior James his lifelong dream of being at a podium wearing a new baseball cap with a team logo on it.

What an unearned ego. Geez.

If he does come here, it better not be for 5 years, and Avery better be right.

sike · 07-11-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drbio

Does anyone really actually like the City of Houston?

love the seafood...

unless this is a ruse...Jame will be wearing bule and green next season...I hope he quickly connects with Dirk/JT/JHo

sike · 07-11-2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bookit

Agree with Ape on this one. Houston still is his likely choice. It will be interesting to see if Avery can pull this off.

I've never wanted ape to be right so much in my life...

V2M · 07-11-2006, 10:40 AM

Sheesh... if the poor guy wants a press conference... Mark, throw him a darned press conference, already!!

Sefkos & Steins can't be too busy this time of the year... or should I say any time of the year?!

sike · 07-11-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFFL

Maybe acquiring James will allow AJ to become less reliant on Stackhouse. Which would be a good thing.

God Willing...of course...they did just get rid of Quisy...I hope that wasn't for Stack...

out of a possible guard core of JT/James/Harris/Ager/Stack/Griff or Buck ...I'm sure he'll find plenty of time for Stack...

Dirkenstien · 07-11-2006, 10:50 AM

Great article, but I still believe he will go to Houston nonetheless. Fortunately for the Mavs, when it comes down to it, Houston is the perfect situation for him. He will get starter minutes, he will be playing with a competitive team, he will land a favorable contract, and he already has a home in the city.

With that said, having James Houston bound will have placed an exclamation point on what, in my opinion, has proven to be a successful off-season.

sike · 07-11-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

With that said, having James Houston bound will have placed an exclamation point on what, in my opinion, has proven to be a successful off-season.

for Dallas or Houston?

sike · 07-11-2006, 10:53 AM

If James wants numbers anywhere close to last seasons...H Town is for him.

V2M · 07-11-2006, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sike

for Dallas or Houston?

Good question?!

With or without James, I think Dallas' off-season is still unfinished I believe. I believe, something's up in the works with some permutation/combination of Damp/Stack/Croshere/Pavel/picks/cash.

Houston better get James or they're stuck without a PG yet again! And if they do, and presuming they stay healthy, I think they have a fairly good chance to go deep in the playoffs!

V2M · 07-11-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sike

If James wants numbers anywhere close to last seasons...H Town is for him.

He says Championship contention is #1... if that were true, he'd be foolish to not pick Dallas among the three (Vegas odds makers would vouch for it!).

bobatundi · 07-11-2006, 11:16 AM

I don't get why he would want to sign with a team that traded him away a year ago after NOT starting him for most of his (brief) time there. Not sure who's dumber on that deal--the Rockets for trying to re-sign a guy they didn't think was a starter to a long-term deal, or James for considering returning to that situation.

capitalcity · 07-11-2006, 11:19 AM

"I want a team that wants to win, but also believes that I'm a significant piece," James said. "It's about trust. That's one of the main things I'm focused on. Do you really believe in me?

"These teams tell me they do. For them to say, 'Mike James, you're a significant piece,' that humbles me. With all the stuff I've been through -- everyone telling me I can't, can't, can't -- I'm humbled that these three teams believe in me."

While he stops short of requiring a spot in the starting lineup, James isn't shy about his belief that he should remain a starter.

"I was top 20 in every category besides rebounding, blocked shots and steals," James said. "There's over 400 players in the NBA, so I think I've proven what I'm capable of. All I can do is continue to work and erase all the critics minds."

Me no likey. Thats a lot of "I" and "me" coupled with talking about oneself in the third person. I really hope Avery knows what he's doing - this guy seems like a Terrance Copper talent with a Terrell Owens ego.

I ask again... Is this not the same Mike James who was completely neutralized by super spare?

sike · 07-11-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capitalcity

I ask again... Is this not the same Mike James who was completely neutralized by super spare?

its just a reminder of how short the memories of fans are...

chumdawg · 07-11-2006, 11:22 AM

Give the warrior the keys to the car!!

sike · 07-11-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumdawg

Give the warrior the keys to the car!!

chumdawg...a madape starter kit?

mary · 07-11-2006, 11:24 AM

My money is still on Houston.

For some reason I have trouble trusting anything that comes out of Mike James' mouth.

sike · 07-11-2006, 11:28 AM

i don't trust duffy (obviously), but the players often time speak their mind...not to say that their minds cannot be quickly changed by dollars....

raefformvp · 07-11-2006, 11:53 AM

what is so wrong about him wanting to win? I don't get it. him saying that he wants a press conference and a baseball hat just shows me he is determined to win a championship. seriously, what's wrong with that? would you rather him say, "I dream of going to a team who is going to pay me a bunch of money and if we win, we win"? and when he says that "Houston already has two superstars" I take that as him saying Houston wouldn't be a terrible place to be. look what the Mavs have done with the Van Exels and Stackhouses of the NBA. so what if he has an ego and believes in himself? to me that is much better than Raef doubting himself and sucking it up. I want James here. and if he does end up here, I hope he proves all the doubters wrong.

Flacolaco · 07-11-2006, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sike

its just a reminder of how short the memories of fans are...

Im more concerned about the short memory of Avery....

Maringa · 07-11-2006, 11:54 AM

I think this is a total Bill Duffy parade...No way he lets James sign with Dallas. I'm ambivalent about him playing for Dallas or Houston. If James signs with Dallas...it's the deathnell (spelling?) for Devin Harris.