This year's rookie class has already proved to be one of the most talented in recent years. However, this class mainly features a bevy of talented point guards, in particular Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks phenom Dennis Smith Jr.
One that has garnered little attention is Phoenix Suns 27-year-old rookie Mike James. That is because prior to this year, James was not even sure if he wanted to play in the NBA at all, according to ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
“To be honest, I didn't really think about coming to the NBA,” James said.
James estimated having about 15 potential situations in which he could have joined an NBA team in the last four years. Though most would not have hesitated to shack up with an NBA team, for James, it was all about waiting for the right opportunity.
“I just felt like it was time,” James said. “I felt like if I wasn't going to do it this year, I probably wasn't never going to do it. So I'm just like, let me take one chance. It would just be for a year, and if it doesn't work out here, I'll be back overseas, and I'll make more money.”
The Portland native bounced around several colleges before heading overseas to play in Europe. He ultimately turned down a seven-figure offer to come back and play for the Suns.
The move worked out nicely after he signed a two-way deal with the team following a stellar performance in the Summer League. He has since filled in as the starting point guard after the bitter departure of Eric Bledsoe.
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