Persistent point guard knew he had a fighting chance
James' reality is that nothing has ever come easily. He was undrafted out of Duquesne and took his act to Austria, playing 15 games there. The next stop was France, where he stayed for two seasons, the last with SLUC Nancy of the Pro A League. Hoping some NBA team would take notice of his skills, he worked out relentlessly: shooting jumpers, running in 110-degree weather, strapping 25-pound weights to his body to build strength.
"I felt I was always better than the people that were playing and got a chance. I just never got one. I always felt I had to be ready. I always knew I'd get a shot," James said. "When Miami called, I was like a kid in a candy store. I said to myself, 'No one is taking this from me.' Pat Riley brought in something like 30 point guards and I burnt them all."
James signed with the Heat as a free agent and was cut in training camp. He then played for Rockford in the CBA and initially had a horrible time of it. He recounts tales of 2-for-17 shooting nights and turnover-filled games that nearly forced him to leave the sport.
"I called my wife and said, 'Maybe I should quit. Maybe this basketball thing isn't for me. If God has a different calling for me, I should find out what it is now,'" James said.
"She told me to hang in there and give it some time, but I didn't want to be one of these 10-day contract guys. Nothing against them. Maybe that's their calling, but I thought too highly of myself to go down that route. I was a better player than that, but I had to just stop and believe in myself, believe that everything was happening for a reason."
After finding his footing, James flourished, averaging more than 23 points, six boards and six assists. He re-signed with the Heat two months after being waived, and this time he stuck -- although Riley didn't play him much. The legendary coach admits, "we didn't have a lot of confidence in Mike. It took a while."
James, who became Miami's primary backup point guard the following season, says he owes a lot to Riley and all the lessons he learned along the way, both good and bad.
"My past is my past. It's made me who I am," James said. "All the tears and consequences built so much character. I truly believe God has a plan for me, and I owe Him so much. In my heart, I understand I had to travel a path to get here."
He can afford to be nostalgic about it now, understanding that he's finally arrived. His scoring average is up for the fourth consecutive season. He's playing a strong game of pick-and-roll with All-Star forward Chris Bosh that has become the staple of Toronto's offense.
James is embraced as a leader with his team, chiding the rookies and deciding what the team is going to do with all the fine money that has accumulated over the season. He's at ease.
"I've just gotten my chance and taken it. This is what I wanted to do this year for Houston," he said. "This is what I've been focused on accomplishing.
"I said to myself, 'I'm gonna work harder than any guard and that's going to translate into big things.' I learned how to be a leader. As I grew up, I gained wisdom. I understand I've lived on both sides. That's what I tell all the young guys. You're here. Work hard and take advantage of your opportunities, because the grass isn't greener on the other side. There is no grass on the other side."
James has been invaluable to Toronto's rebuilding effort. He plays with a desire that's infectious, has been clutch down the stretch and is a steadying influence on the team's young players. That includes Bosh, who, despite his vast skill, doesn't turn 22 until March 24.
"I recognize that he makes things a little easier for me, because without his shooting ability I don't think I'd have as much room as I have to operate," said Bosh, who has voiced his opinion that the Raptors need to keep James on board. "If I get double-teamed, I don't hesitate to kick it out to him. We're not quite Shaq/Wade, but we do have an inside-outside combination."
It's going to be interesting to see what James does during the offseason. Clearly, the Raptors would love to keep him, but who knows how high the bidding will get? He may only have one long-term deal left in him and has to maximize that earning potential. At the same time, the situation he's fallen into is perfect for him, because he's allowed to assert himself and be the player he always envisioned.
"I know this: Leaders lead, followers follow. Why can't it be my turn (to lead)? I have so much to lend in terms of experience, that it just seems natural," James said. "I don't feel I'm done growing, because I'm so hungry, and I'm just now getting my shot.
"I'm like that rose in the crack of the sidewalk. It's there, going to waste, but then a person comes around and gives it water, makes sure its getting sunlight. God made sure of that for me. Despite all the crap was going on, even if I was getting stepped on, my roots were growing. I was still developing, growing stronger.
"I'm that rose now, and I'm budding. Better me show you then tell you. Just let me show you. You ain't seen nothing yet, really. You ain't seen nothing yet."
