James played basketball at Duquesne University that saw him finish first all-time in steals, fifth in assists and 10th in points at the school and included being named to the all Atlantic 10 Conference 1st team in his senior year at the university.
Professional career
Time in Europe
James was not drafted by an NBA team, but remained positive and opted for a start in the European professional leagues instead. Mike enjoyed several stellar seasons as an integral player with both French and Austrian teams.
James was a member of the Pistons' 2004 NBA championship team as a reserve. He and fellow reserve guard Lindsey Hunter formed a formidable defensive guard combination nicknamed the "Pit Bulls" by Rasheed Wallace, because of their aggressive nature on defense.
As the starting point guard for the Raptors during the 2005–06 season, he averaged career highs of 20.3 points, 5.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game and shot 47% from the field including 44.2% from 3-point range which ranked among the league leaders. In spite of his strong play during the 2005–06 season for the Raptors, he was criticized as being somewhat of a one-dimensional player. Despite being an above-average shooter from the point guard spot, his playmaking abilities were called into question at times as well as his commitment to defense, in stark contrast to his "pit bull" days with the Pistons. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune wrote of his big 2005–06 season: "Previously, James had started only 68 games, so some scouts wondered if those numbers were an aberration. Others felt his impending free agency affected his play, prompting him to seek stats at the expense of play-making duties." While playing for Toronto in the 2005–06 season, he reached a career high of 39 points in a win against the Detroit Pistons. On April 11, 2006, James became the first Raptor to score 30 or more points in 4 consecutive games.
On July 11, 2006, James signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Much of the 2006–07 season was marred by mediocre play, which limited his minutes to 25, down from the 37 he averaged during his career year in Toronto. On June 14, 2007 it was officially announced that James and teammate Justin Reed would be traded to the Houston Rockets for Juwan Howard.
Bouncing around the league
On February 21, 2008 it was announced that James and teammate Bonzi Wells would be traded to the New Orleans Hornets for Bobby Jackson, and Adam Haluska. This ended his second short tenure as a Houston Rocket.
Washington Wizards
James was traded on December 10, 2008 in a three team trade between the New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards. The trade sent James and Javaris Crittenton to the Wizards and Antonio Daniels to the Hornets. The Grizzlies received a conditional first round draft pick from the Wizards. On March 1, 2010, it was announced that the Washington Wizards had reached a buy-out agreement with James and waived him. James averaged 9.3 points per game during his stint with the Wizards, in which he played 57 games. In February 2011 he signed with Aliağa Petkim in Turkey.
D-League
James later joined the Erie Bayhawks in the NBA Development League. He was called up by the Chicago Bulls on January 11, 2012, but released on January 28. On February 14, James was re-signed by the Bulls on a 10-day contract to provide support while Derrick Rose was injured. He was re-signed on a second 10-day contract on March 14.
Chicago Bulls
On April 4, 2012, James signed by the Bulls for the rest of the season.
Return to the D-League
On January 1, 2013, James was acquired by the Texas Legends of the D-League.
Dallas Mavericks
He was signed to a 10-day contract by the Dallas Mavericks on January 8, 2013. The Mavs signed him to a second 10-day contract on January 18, 2013. He was then signed for the remainder of the season on January 28, after his second 10-day contract was up. The Mavericks finished 41-41 and missed the playoffs for the first time since the 1999–2000 season.
Return to the Bulls
In September 2013, James re-signed with the Chicago Bulls. On December 16, 2013, James was waived by the Bulls, after appearing in just seven games. On January 22, 2014, he signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls, returning yet again for another stint. On February 1, 2014, the Bulls decided not to sign James to a second 10-day contract after his first 10-day contract expired. On April 10, 2014, he signed with the Bulls for the rest of the 2013–14 season. On July 15, 2014, he was waived by the Bulls.
Return to D-League
On November 3, 2014, James was reacquired by the Texas Legends. On January 25, 2015, he recorded the Legends first triple-double of the season with 21 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in the 115–111 win over the Delaware 87ers.
NBA career statistics
Regular season
Playoffs
Personal life
James and his wife, Angela, have four daughters: Jadon Miciah, Amaya Noel, Michal Mikayla, and McKinley Joel. The family appeared in a 2008 episode of ABC's Supernanny.
