EuroLeague MVP Mike James: Europe Offers Superior Basketball Growth
Mike James suggested that younger players should think about coming to Europe to enhance their skills in basketball and gain a better understanding of the sport and life itself. He stated that the EuroLeague game resembles chess while the NBA is more like checkers, echoing Kyle Hines’ sentiments.
Mike James achieved the EuroLeague MVP title for the first time in his career. In that season, he also achieved the status of being the top scorer in the history of the league. The reason for everything was his choice to seek out a job in Europe over ten years ago.
The wait is over: Mike James is named the 2023/24 EuroLeague MVP 🔥🤩 pic.twitter.com/ybJbv3EpSU
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) May 14, 2024
Mike James briefly left the EuroLeague in the 2020-21 season and returned to the NBA to join the Brooklyn Nets. Nevertheless, he promptly came back to Europe and has stayed here ever since. After his team’s international season ended, the starting guard for AS Monaco spoke briefly with the EuroLeague, discussing the distinctions between the two leagues.
🚨⚪️🔴 EXCL: Polish goalkeeper Radek Majecki set to sign new deal until June 2028 at AS Monaco.
Deal agreed after playing a crucial part helping Monaco securing second place in Ligue1, where he’s had 7 clean sheets in 12 matches.
Three year extension, ready. 🔐🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/0T2anklnGH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2024
The way the rules are structured and the way events unfold make it a unique style of basketball, a different brand. It’s slightly more technical, I suppose that is the term. I believe it’s an excellent basketball brand to enjoy in the regular season. James stated that despite playing at a slower pace, the game is more competitive and seems to go by faster. I simply love this aspect and how it’s essentially like winning a game of chess. James compared the NBA to checkers, echoing Kyle Hines’ previous statement. “It’s pleasurable, it’s entertaining.” Every summer, I feel eager to prepare for my job.
As NBA contracts increase annually, an increasing number of players are opting to remain in the NBA instead of exploring opportunities abroad. Mike James spoke about the primary benefit of playing in the EuroLeague as the opportunity to develop and enhance basketball skills and acquire life lessons.
In my opinion, the EuroLeague offers a platform for you to freely express yourself and thrive in a way that the NBA may not permit. Perhaps you could become a reserve player in the NBA, or alternatively, you could become a standout player, possibly even a superstar, in the EuroLeague, playing a critical role for your team. Experiencing various cultures and traveling throughout Europe is enjoyable and allows for having a good time. Mike James expressed that he believes it is simply a unique and incredible experience.
Even when having conversations with Kemba, my teammate this year, who hasn’t spent much time in Europe, I believe the highlight of his year was exploring new places and experiencing things he wouldn’t have otherwise. Mike James said that his family also had a good time visiting and seeing new things. I believe that experiencing different parts of the world helps you recognize what you truly enjoy and value in life. Having the opportunity to explore different regions of the world and live in Europe has given me a deeper insight into my identity, leading to personal growth.
🔥 Mike James, NBA ile EuroLeague’in farklılıklarına ve Avrupa basketbolunun getirilerine dair:
“Kuralların oluşturuluşuyla, olayların gerçekleşiyle iki farklı tarz olduğu kesin. Başka bir basketbol oynanıyor. Daha teknik diyebilirim, sanırım kelime o. Normal sezonda izlemesi… pic.twitter.com/41kakExRpg
— Eurohoops Türkiye (@EurohoopsTR) May 20, 2024
James began his professional career in Europe in Zadar, Croatia. He competed for several lesser-known teams before catching the attention of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2014. Since then, his career has taken a positive turn, making him one of the most notable figures in European basketball.