Joey Graham. He looks at me. He said, Mike, you was about to fight shock. I said, Man, I forget shocked on what not?

Joey Graham. He looks at me. He said, Mike, you was about to fight shock. I said, Man, I forget shocked on what not?

Everybody's scared of shock whatever. I'm mad right now. He said, just like this to me, He said, Mike, what was your game plan?

Everybody's scared of shock whatever. I'm mad right now. He said, just like this to me, He said, Mike, what was your game plan?

Man? How's everybody doing? We want to welcome you into man a really really cool, really special episode of the NBA Rookie Life with Brian Hollins Man and listen, man, hold on, man, we have an NBA World champion. Yeah you heard that, the Duke and yes, Dukane, all time leader in stills. This man is a New York legend. Man, and hold on man. For those of the for the for the real ones who know the Amityville poor. Come on, man, Mike James, what's come with your baby ran?

Man? How's everybody doing? We want to welcome you into man a really really cool, really special episode of the NBA Rookie Life with Brian Hollins Man and listen, man, hold on, man, we have an NBA World champion. Yeah you heard that, the Duke and yes, Dukane, all time leader in stills. This man is a New York legend. Man, and hold on man. For those of the for the for the real ones who know the Amityville poor. Come on, man, Mike James, what's come with your baby ran?

How you doing today?

How you doing today?

Man?

Man?

Good to be here?

Good to be here?

Now, hold on, We ain't gonna just you ain't gonna come on here all chill and you are then Amityville horror. Dog? Where did this name come from? Dog? Because Mike, I was a little scared of you. I was a young guy when I came to the league. Ain't gonna liow. I was a little scared of you, Bro. I was a little intimidated because of the way that you played. You were real aggressive. You You're a ferocious guard and I was like, man, I don't want to I am in a man that to men. Now, I ain't want to get into it with you.

Now, hold on, We ain't gonna just you ain't gonna come on here all chill and you are then Amityville horror. Dog? Where did this name come from? Dog? Because Mike, I was a little scared of you. I was a young guy when I came to the league. Ain't gonna liow. I was a little scared of you, Bro. I was a little intimidated because of the way that you played. You were real aggressive. You You're a ferocious guard and I was like, man, I don't want to I am in a man that to men. Now, I ain't want to get into it with you.

You know what I'm saying the way you playing, man, But hold on, man.

You know what I'm saying the way you playing, man, But hold on, man.

I really feel some type of way seeing this name. Where did it come from, Mike? You know?

I really feel some type of way seeing this name. Where did it come from, Mike? You know?

The further original Amityville Horror was a ball player named.

The further original Amityville Horror was a ball player named.

Shelton Jones from Amielle and he was like the man in the eighties with the Saint John's was like the first player from our town to go to the NBA. And then as I started coming up, you know, I became like that guy in the town and it's like, you know, people started calling me like the Amityville Horror.

Shelton Jones from Amielle and he was like the man in the eighties with the Saint John's was like the first player from our town to go to the NBA. And then as I started coming up, you know, I became like that guy in the town and it's like, you know, people started calling me like the Amityville Horror.

But it was always that original.

But it was always that original.

So when I went on to play, I had a chip on my shoulder and it was almost like I went into like a scene, you know, and I wore that name, like I really wore that name. So I basically felt like, I want to intimidate you when I play. I want to be tougher than you, and I want to scare you, almost like the movie. So it was almost like when I was on the court. That's how I treated every every ballplayer that I lined up against, like you scared, aren't you?

So when I went on to play, I had a chip on my shoulder and it was almost like I went into like a scene, you know, and I wore that name, like I really wore that name. So I basically felt like, I want to intimidate you when I play. I want to be tougher than you, and I want to scare you, almost like the movie. So it was almost like when I was on the court. That's how I treated every every ballplayer that I lined up against, like you scared, aren't you?

Like? I like that?

Like? I like that?

Not for real, bro, because the one thing, you know, I would always scout my bigs, but I like to always consider myself, you know, the best pick a roll big defender in the league. That now, whatever that means, you know, I just I ain't gonna mess up no coverage. I could run all the coverages. So like scouting you, I'd be like, damn, he dribbles so aggressive, like it's pull up to the three. You know, you hit a three you coming out the game, or or he downhill you get in the air on the shot. Fake he drives, Like dude, you dribble so aggressive, Bro, Like you are tight. I think you know we were at shoutout to Vernon Vernon Maxwell. We're at this golture and I was telling you, bro, like it's you and Dwayne Wade, and I probably say I wouldn't say Kobe. Kobe didn't like a lot of pick and rolls because he knew we could trap him out of it. But like you and Dwayne Wade the way you guys are taped picking rolls. Bro. I feared it, Like what like, Bro, what is it?

Not for real, bro, because the one thing, you know, I would always scout my bigs, but I like to always consider myself, you know, the best pick a roll big defender in the league. That now, whatever that means, you know, I just I ain't gonna mess up no coverage. I could run all the coverages. So like scouting you, I'd be like, damn, he dribbles so aggressive, like it's pull up to the three. You know, you hit a three you coming out the game, or or he downhill you get in the air on the shot. Fake he drives, Like dude, you dribble so aggressive, Bro, Like you are tight. I think you know we were at shoutout to Vernon Vernon Maxwell. We're at this golture and I was telling you, bro, like it's you and Dwayne Wade, and I probably say I wouldn't say Kobe. Kobe didn't like a lot of pick and rolls because he knew we could trap him out of it. But like you and Dwayne Wade the way you guys are taped picking rolls. Bro. I feared it, Like what like, Bro, what is it?

Bro?

Bro?

Because your your dribbles. You know a lot of times you teach the kids driple harder to take you into your shot, Like every time you dribbled and you had a high release. So I'm like, I can't block the shot? What was it? Where did that come from? It was that part of the Amityville horror man.

Because your your dribbles. You know a lot of times you teach the kids driple harder to take you into your shot, Like every time you dribbled and you had a high release. So I'm like, I can't block the shot? What was it? Where did that come from? It was that part of the Amityville horror man.

You know.

You know.

One I wasn't like being a New York guard. We are finesse, you know, we want to cross all where we want to.

One I wasn't like being a New York guard. We are finesse, you know, we want to cross all where we want to.

Make it fall east.

Make it fall east.

But I was never the type to get bodies on the basketball court.

But I was never the type to get bodies on the basketball court.

I didn't have a godshamp god handle. I didn't have.

I didn't have a godshamp god handle. I didn't have.

I'm Aulburry handled. My handle was straight to the point. And you know that's basically how I played, Like I'm not going to play with you. I'm just going to get an angle on you, and I'm getting straight.

I'm Aulburry handled. My handle was straight to the point. And you know that's basically how I played, Like I'm not going to play with you. I'm just going to get an angle on you, and I'm getting straight.

To the point. And when I was in Miami, I think that's why.

To the point. And when I was in Miami, I think that's why.

You can probably named Dwayne Wade because he's a you know, he he grew up in that in that Miami, under that Miami regime. They always taught me when you're coming off of pick and roll, attack the big man's leaping.

You can probably named Dwayne Wade because he's a you know, he he grew up in that in that Miami, under that Miami regime. They always taught me when you're coming off of pick and roll, attack the big man's leaping.

Pat Rowley.

Pat Rowley.

He always he always taught us attack the big man knees. No, big man, whenever they jump out in the pick and rolls, they always move. If you attack me, they always gonna move their knees out the ways.

He always he always taught us attack the big man knees. No, big man, whenever they jump out in the pick and rolls, they always move. If you attack me, they always gonna move their knees out the ways.

My man is trailing me.

My man is trailing me.

So I'm gonna I'm gonna make sure I caused that rotation. Now that rotation changed by me getting past you. So now I'm downhill with you know, the sides on my side, but with the offense.

So I'm gonna I'm gonna make sure I caused that rotation. Now that rotation changed by me getting past you. So now I'm downhill with you know, the sides on my side, but with the offense.

Now now it's three duckins too.

Now now it's three duckins too.

Yeah, you you attacked my knees. I'm clipping you, dog. That's what I'm saying. Hey, hey, real me in the way and way. We're good now, Bro, like my rule, Mike, you're gonna I say my rule. If you split the pic roll and I ain't get that, I closed line you, no, because I'm there's no help on the week's side. You're not gonna split my pick and roll. I'm closed lining you. Bro. If you go that's horrible. It's not horrible, it's almost disrespectful, bro, because you know later towards the end of your career. You know, the guards a lot of moves. They would take it, especially Dwayne Wade. I got he was so mad at me when I clipped it one time. Bro, y'all would run with the basketball, you know, d Wade, a lot of those, Damian Lillard, those guys would run with the basketball, Chris Paul, you know, and it was illegal ast heck. Bro. They would run with the ball through the things. So like, no, I'm close lining you, Bro, like im if you beat me, I'm clothes lining you. Because you know, I'd always come out with the arms out, pick and roll, not trying to let you through. And I would take my hand and I would close the gap with the guard and I would you know, I was always you know, I would. I would kind of learn a little nuances. I try to be seven feet sideway so you you go through that. I'm closed li you, Mike. I got to touch on something you said.

Yeah, you you attacked my knees. I'm clipping you, dog. That's what I'm saying. Hey, hey, real me in the way and way. We're good now, Bro, like my rule, Mike, you're gonna I say my rule. If you split the pic roll and I ain't get that, I closed line you, no, because I'm there's no help on the week's side. You're not gonna split my pick and roll. I'm closed lining you. Bro. If you go that's horrible. It's not horrible, it's almost disrespectful, bro, because you know later towards the end of your career. You know, the guards a lot of moves. They would take it, especially Dwayne Wade. I got he was so mad at me when I clipped it one time. Bro, y'all would run with the basketball, you know, d Wade, a lot of those, Damian Lillard, those guys would run with the basketball, Chris Paul, you know, and it was illegal ast heck. Bro. They would run with the ball through the things. So like, no, I'm close lining you, Bro, like im if you beat me, I'm clothes lining you. Because you know, I'd always come out with the arms out, pick and roll, not trying to let you through. And I would take my hand and I would close the gap with the guard and I would you know, I was always you know, I would. I would kind of learn a little nuances. I try to be seven feet sideway so you you go through that. I'm closed li you, Mike. I got to touch on something you said.

Bro.

Bro.

I'm sorry, we're gonna go here. I know the show even really got into it, but I feel like I want to ask you, Mike, I'm sorry I'm going here. Bro as a New York guard, why don't you get your respect? I feel like I hear about the Marlberry's, the Tailfairs, the Stevensons, you know, like the tens Leys, Like, why don't you get your respect as the New York Guard bro I'm going there.

I'm sorry, we're gonna go here. I know the show even really got into it, but I feel like I want to ask you, Mike, I'm sorry I'm going here. Bro as a New York guard, why don't you get your respect? I feel like I hear about the Marlberry's, the Tailfairs, the Stevensons, you know, like the tens Leys, Like, why don't you get your respect as the New York Guard bro I'm going there.

I'm sorry, you know, being being from Long Island, you know, it's always that challenge.

I'm sorry, you know, being being from Long Island, you know, it's always that challenge.

They always saying that you're not from the Burroughs.

They always saying that you're not from the Burroughs.

And I played, you know, on the island, and I think that at one point there was a lot of guards that was above me from the guard's name, I mean, from the Stefan Marlberry's to the you know, you you can name, you can name all the greats that played the game, you know, coming out of NBA, from the street side to the professional side. But I just don't think that they respected me because I wasn't in.

And I played, you know, on the island, and I think that at one point there was a lot of guards that was above me from the guard's name, I mean, from the Stefan Marlberry's to the you know, you you can name, you can name all the greats that played the game, you know, coming out of NBA, from the street side to the professional side. But I just don't think that they respected me because I wasn't in.

The rucker, you know, grown up.

The rucker, you know, grown up.

I wasn't one of the kids that grew up playing in Tensley Park and all the Brooklyn in the Bronx parks.

I wasn't one of the kids that grew up playing in Tensley Park and all the Brooklyn in the Bronx parks.

You know.

You know.

I came and showed my face, but I was one of those kids. When I was young, I was overlooked, so I didn't have no name. My name didn't come until I got I got better as I got older, and so That's when I started gaining my credit in the parks in New York City. But by that time, everyone that's talked about when they talk about New York Gods or New York Guards, they always talk about them not from a professional level.

I came and showed my face, but I was one of those kids. When I was young, I was overlooked, so I didn't have no name. My name didn't come until I got I got better as I got older, and so That's when I started gaining my credit in the parks in New York City. But by that time, everyone that's talked about when they talk about New York Gods or New York Guards, they always talk about them not from a professional level.

They always talk about them from a high school and punk level.

They always talk about them from a high school and punk level.

And so because of that, you know, of course you're not going to put me in that, but you can't discredit what I've done. And for my career, I'm a double figure scorer. For my career, I went undrafted. You know, guys went to some of the biggest schools in college and I was an und after playing and only playing that. Only player that just beat my record recently was Fred van Blee for being player go once drafted and average twenty points in the NBA for a season.

And so because of that, you know, of course you're not going to put me in that, but you can't discredit what I've done. And for my career, I'm a double figure scorer. For my career, I went undrafted. You know, guys went to some of the biggest schools in college and I was an und after playing and only playing that. Only player that just beat my record recently was Fred van Blee for being player go once drafted and average twenty points in the NBA for a season.

You know that's not an easy cast.

You know that's not an easy cast.

Okay, okay, you know, and you know what's funny, I know exactly what you're saying because I'm from Pasadena and a lot of the LA guys don't give that respect. Oh he's from Pasadena, from LA. You know what I'm saying. So you know, I grew up and definitely, you know, Bed was the big homie. But like being an LA guy. The LA guys got that respect, they got that name. It was like, oh he from Pasadena, you know, like we want a Drew League championship for the city, Me and my boy Horse, Frank, Malcolm Thomas, all them, and it was the mindset like Pasadena won it, Like oh no, they not. They not l A unified, They're not l A. So Darrell Wright shout out Darrell Man and those boys were heated like like he did, mad at it, like oh you wanted you want to drew up blah, like even the announcements like congratulation and said, you know, like but it's definitely I know that mindset, like you're not gonna get I'm not I'm not I'm a Pasaden to cat. I'm not gonna get out certa shouting to the city of Roses. You know that respect. Hold On, Cameron and Mace actually hooped. They were real hoopers. We're gonna find out coming to mix from Mike James. Okay, hold on, hold on, normally we like to jump, but New York City, you had such a rich history or that hoop you play high school ball against Cam and Mace Man, Is that true? I gotta hold on, I gotta get the Pollo one here. Man, get date me on this, man, because you know we know them from the from from the hit records. Man, But talk to me about that shout out to their show. What were they like playing?

Okay, okay, you know, and you know what's funny, I know exactly what you're saying because I'm from Pasadena and a lot of the LA guys don't give that respect. Oh he's from Pasadena, from LA. You know what I'm saying. So you know, I grew up and definitely, you know, Bed was the big homie. But like being an LA guy. The LA guys got that respect, they got that name. It was like, oh he from Pasadena, you know, like we want a Drew League championship for the city, Me and my boy Horse, Frank, Malcolm Thomas, all them, and it was the mindset like Pasadena won it, Like oh no, they not. They not l A unified, They're not l A. So Darrell Wright shout out Darrell Man and those boys were heated like like he did, mad at it, like oh you wanted you want to drew up blah, like even the announcements like congratulation and said, you know, like but it's definitely I know that mindset, like you're not gonna get I'm not I'm not I'm a Pasaden to cat. I'm not gonna get out certa shouting to the city of Roses. You know that respect. Hold On, Cameron and Mace actually hooped. They were real hoopers. We're gonna find out coming to mix from Mike James. Okay, hold on, hold on, normally we like to jump, but New York City, you had such a rich history or that hoop you play high school ball against Cam and Mace Man, Is that true? I gotta hold on, I gotta get the Pollo one here. Man, get date me on this, man, because you know we know them from the from from the hit records. Man, But talk to me about that shout out to their show. What were they like playing?

I mean that game, we really couldn't judge what they did because they didn't have their best games that game. But I can remember one time Mace was like Mace was bringing the ball up the court and something happened and he had like a like a booker in his nose, and my boy was like, Yo, my man, Yo, you got something on your face. He was like, Yo, don't worry about that, like leave that long or worry about that. So then we was like, a you're gonna just play like that?

I mean that game, we really couldn't judge what they did because they didn't have their best games that game. But I can remember one time Mace was like Mace was bringing the ball up the court and something happened and he had like a like a booker in his nose, and my boy was like, Yo, my man, Yo, you got something on your face. He was like, Yo, don't worry about that, like leave that long or worry about that. So then we was like, a you're gonna just play like that?

Like cool.

Like cool.

So I guess it was like an intimidation back to or something. So he played like that. The whole game was like this booking is.

So I guess it was like an intimidation back to or something. So he played like that. The whole game was like this booking is.

A big one.

A big one.

And then at one point, like we was about to scuffle with him, and Mace came up to us was like, Yo, we could play basketball, or we could.

And then at one point, like we was about to scuffle with him, and Mace came up to us was like, Yo, we could play basketball, or we could.

Do a little bit of ease. We could do a little bit.

Do a little bit of ease. We could do a little bit.

Of the.

Of the.

Well, we beat them. I had a pretty good game that game.

Well, we beat them. I had a pretty good game that game.

It was my sophomore year, you know, and that was like the one of the big tournaments in New York was the Docturnal Tournament.

It was my sophomore year, you know, and that was like the one of the big tournaments in New York was the Docturnal Tournament.

That was the last year of it.

That was the last year of it.

That's when that big stampede happened in New York City with a Puff Daddy and all that happened. But at that time, it was one of the biggest tournaments in New York high school ball.

That's when that big stampede happened in New York City with a Puff Daddy and all that happened. But at that time, it was one of the biggest tournaments in New York high school ball.

So hold on, hold on, give me more context here. So where Cam and Mace nice? They were? They cold? High school was what they? What they know that they with their team snack like, what were they?

So hold on, hold on, give me more context here. So where Cam and Mace nice? They were? They cold? High school was what they? What they know that they with their team snack like, what were they?

I'll put it this way.

I'll put it this way.

I can't speak on that because I'm from Long Island. I didn't start playing city ball until college, when I really started going uptown, you know, to play in like the parks and the tournaments and the ruck and all that. I didn't start really doing that, So I don't really know them, you know what I mean. He talks like he you know, he had a pretty good respect of credibility in the game and a lot of good ball players from New York. Say, yo, before Mace got into I mean, before Cam got into the music, he was really like one of those dudes.

I can't speak on that because I'm from Long Island. I didn't start playing city ball until college, when I really started going uptown, you know, to play in like the parks and the tournaments and the ruck and all that. I didn't start really doing that, So I don't really know them, you know what I mean. He talks like he you know, he had a pretty good respect of credibility in the game and a lot of good ball players from New York. Say, yo, before Mace got into I mean, before Cam got into the music, he was really like one of those dudes.

So and you got to give him some credit.

So and you got to give him some credit.

He has some all All Conferences, he has some All City trophies, which means that during that era, it was a lot of good basketball players coming out of New York here. For you to be recognized as a top player, you know, you gotta tip your hat. But at some point when you stop, everybody else keep going, well, then you ain't gonna of course, you're gonna fall off. You ain't gonna be the same player that you was. But maybe if people the stuff with it, maybe he would have started training. Who knows what would have happened, you know, with his career where he would have been the right size, would either have had the athleticism, you know, the skill level at that at that stage, everyone's good. But then you're gonna start separating yourself, you know what I mean, when you start going to college and then trying to make it to the pros.

He has some all All Conferences, he has some All City trophies, which means that during that era, it was a lot of good basketball players coming out of New York here. For you to be recognized as a top player, you know, you gotta tip your hat. But at some point when you stop, everybody else keep going, well, then you ain't gonna of course, you're gonna fall off. You ain't gonna be the same player that you was. But maybe if people the stuff with it, maybe he would have started training. Who knows what would have happened, you know, with his career where he would have been the right size, would either have had the athleticism, you know, the skill level at that at that stage, everyone's good. But then you're gonna start separating yourself, you know what I mean, when you start going to college and then trying to make it to the pros.

So we don't know. If you would have made it to the NBA, that's a whole nother dog.

So we don't know. If you would have made it to the NBA, that's a whole nother dog.

Maybe Europe maybe for sure. For sure you probably would have.

Maybe Europe maybe for sure. For sure you probably would have.

Made a playing professional ball. But you know, you've made a hell of a career for yourself in the music business.

Made a playing professional ball. But you know, you've made a hell of a career for yourself in the music business.

Okay, So so so we're clear we certifying Cam and Mas at least at a heights school level, they would certified. You had to bring it against them boys. They okay, okay, okay.

Okay, So so so we're clear we certifying Cam and Mas at least at a heights school level, they would certified. You had to bring it against them boys. They okay, okay, okay.

So before that middle school, I can't speak after.

So before that middle school, I can't speak after.

Seventeen, respect bro, respect man, it just seemed like New York, you know, had so much just talent, man, just a lot of talented brothers.

Seventeen, respect bro, respect man, it just seemed like New York, you know, had so much just talent, man, just a lot of talented brothers.

Man.

Man.

And it's cool to see the progression. Man. All right, now you get the du Cane brother for one. You did you thing of du Cane. Let's fast forward. You kill it, one of the greatest players they ever wear the jersey there you don't get drafted? What did you do draft day? Was there a draft party? Were you just like if I'm drafted, I'm drafted? Dog? Was it going to the league? Take me back to hold on? How old are you there? Are you? Are you twenty one? Twenty two year old Mike James? Man, talk to me about draft day? Bro, because you to me, you never forget it, you know, so I don't know where it's still with you. But you killed du Cane. What were the expectations and what happened from there?

And it's cool to see the progression. Man. All right, now you get the du Cane brother for one. You did you thing of du Cane. Let's fast forward. You kill it, one of the greatest players they ever wear the jersey there you don't get drafted? What did you do draft day? Was there a draft party? Were you just like if I'm drafted, I'm drafted? Dog? Was it going to the league? Take me back to hold on? How old are you there? Are you? Are you twenty one? Twenty two year old Mike James? Man, talk to me about draft day? Bro, because you to me, you never forget it, you know, so I don't know where it's still with you. But you killed du Cane. What were the expectations and what happened from there?

I mean they told me I was a late first round early second round draft pick and not getting draft Who told you that? My agent, my agent at the time, you know agent, Oh, what was his name, Frank Martin. It was my agent at the time, and I didn't really understand. You know, I didn't go to no draft, I didn't go to no pre draft camps, and so no workout, so no one got to see me.

I mean they told me I was a late first round early second round draft pick and not getting draft Who told you that? My agent, my agent at the time, you know agent, Oh, what was his name, Frank Martin. It was my agent at the time, and I didn't really understand. You know, I didn't go to no draft, I didn't go to no pre draft camps, and so no workout, so no one got to see me.

No one knew what I was doing. They went, I didn't get invited.

No one knew what I was doing. They went, I didn't get invited.

I didn't even get invited to Portsmouth, and so I was the first All Atlantic tank guard you know, came out same year Katino Mobley, all those guys and those guys, and so you know, I'm watching it on television. Don't hear my name. I'm at my house watching it my cousin. I don't hear my name. I'm seeing all the guys that I killed, and you know, the school getting drafted before me.

I didn't even get invited to Portsmouth, and so I was the first All Atlantic tank guard you know, came out same year Katino Mobley, all those guys and those guys, and so you know, I'm watching it on television. Don't hear my name. I'm at my house watching it my cousin. I don't hear my name. I'm seeing all the guys that I killed, and you know, the school getting drafted before me.

I just go on to park and I just start playing.

I just go on to park and I just start playing.

You know, on the day of the draft, you go to the park. Bro.

You know, on the day of the draft, you go to the park. Bro.

Yeah, it's like a park right next to my house.

Yeah, it's like a park right next to my house.

So you don't get drafted and go straight to the park.

So you don't get drafted and go straight to the park.

I just go shoot. I gotta see I gotta lest some steam off. I don't.

I just go shoot. I gotta see I gotta lest some steam off. I don't.

I gotta figure out what that move is. You know, in my head, it's just like, man, this is crazy. Like I at least wanted the opportunity. I wanted a chance of never getting that opportunity a chance. You know, the only thing that I had was go overseas that first year.

I gotta figure out what that move is. You know, in my head, it's just like, man, this is crazy. Like I at least wanted the opportunity. I wanted a chance of never getting that opportunity a chance. You know, the only thing that I had was go overseas that first year.

Man, I'll ask this, why go overseas? Was there a point where you go, I don't maybe this basketball thing ain't it? You know what I'm saying. And then when did you realize, like, hey, like I'm an NBA player, Like you know, there's some overseas guys that never stopped thinking that NBA players, And some guys go, I'm gonna go play ten years overseas and make some good money. I'm good man, That's that is what it is. You know.

Man, I'll ask this, why go overseas? Was there a point where you go, I don't maybe this basketball thing ain't it? You know what I'm saying. And then when did you realize, like, hey, like I'm an NBA player, Like you know, there's some overseas guys that never stopped thinking that NBA players, And some guys go, I'm gonna go play ten years overseas and make some good money. I'm good man, That's that is what it is. You know.

My first year in Europe, you know, May like thirty thousand, didn't have no teams looking at me, and okay, won a championship. Next year I made like thirty five forty then okay, then the five That third year I signed with, I signed with a team UH in France, and you know, I'm starting to get MVP votes and all of this stuff for that year. So now I'm like, okay, now things are starting to turn. And then I played in France. I play in France that year in nonc and no no no, I played in Champagne and then I went that following summer after my third year in Europe. So I played three years in Europe. But I was everyone that I played against. I was always out playing everyone. I was always the best player in the league. I wasn't just one of the best players. It was like, I'm nicing in everybody not going to the league. What I can still go to the league because no one has shown me that there's a level that.

My first year in Europe, you know, May like thirty thousand, didn't have no teams looking at me, and okay, won a championship. Next year I made like thirty five forty then okay, then the five That third year I signed with, I signed with a team UH in France, and you know, I'm starting to get MVP votes and all of this stuff for that year. So now I'm like, okay, now things are starting to turn. And then I played in France. I play in France that year in nonc and no no no, I played in Champagne and then I went that following summer after my third year in Europe. So I played three years in Europe. But I was everyone that I played against. I was always out playing everyone. I was always the best player in the league. I wasn't just one of the best players. It was like, I'm nicing in everybody not going to the league. What I can still go to the league because no one has shown me that there's a level that.

I gotta get to.

I gotta get to.

For sure.

For sure.

Everyone is still.

Everyone is still.

I'm still outshine, out playing everyone in the league and guys that played in the NBA playing over there. So then I finally get an opportunity to go play the summer league with the Miami Heat. It was like a It was no. I played in a Ed Pinckney summer camp. Man, shout out, you know Ed Pinckney is who found me. You know, That's how my career started. I played in the Ed Pinckney Summer League and the first game they didn't play me.

I'm still outshine, out playing everyone in the league and guys that played in the NBA playing over there. So then I finally get an opportunity to go play the summer league with the Miami Heat. It was like a It was no. I played in a Ed Pinckney summer camp. Man, shout out, you know Ed Pinckney is who found me. You know, That's how my career started. I played in the Ed Pinckney Summer League and the first game they didn't play me.

We was playing against the USA Select team.

We was playing against the USA Select team.

Jason Williams, Sean, Steve Blake, all those guys.

Jason Williams, Sean, Steve Blake, all those guys.

In the US will yeah, yeah, a couple will do.

In the US will yeah, yeah, a couple will do.

And so the first game, you know, so it.

And so the first game, you know, so it.

Was like the best players that's playing in the Ed Pinckney Summer League playing against the USA.

Was like the best players that's playing in the Ed Pinckney Summer League playing against the USA.

So Pinckney could set sting up like that.

So Pinckney could set sting up like that.

Bro likely like he had a really some nice league, you know, Miami at that time, and you know, I'm I'm play in the first game, they don't play me, and all of a sudden, like I'm sitting here like, man, why the heck I come out.

Bro likely like he had a really some nice league, you know, Miami at that time, and you know, I'm I'm play in the first game, they don't play me, and all of a sudden, like I'm sitting here like, man, why the heck I come out.

Here for this bull crap? I'm mad now.

Here for this bull crap? I'm mad now.

But the head coach for the USA Select team was Jay Wright, you know, Villanova's head coach. But he used to coach at Hostra, which was my backyard and my whole life growing up. You know. We used to always go to Hostra to play against the Hostura players, and I used to kill him in.

But the head coach for the USA Select team was Jay Wright, you know, Villanova's head coach. But he used to coach at Hostra, which was my backyard and my whole life growing up. You know. We used to always go to Hostra to play against the Hostura players, and I used to kill him in.

High school, you know what I mean, Like I used to always be going at them.

High school, you know what I mean, Like I used to always be going at them.

So when Jay Wright saw me, he looked at Ed Pinkey said, wait a minute, you got Mike James here.

So when Jay Wright saw me, he looked at Ed Pinkey said, wait a minute, you got Mike James here.

He said, let me tell you something.

He said, let me tell you something.

My one of my biggest mistakes that I've ever made in my career. Was he was in my backyard. He used to be coming to the gym every single day and I didn't get him. I didn't know what he was going to be. But when I tell you, this is a player right now, this is a player, Like I made a mistake not getting him. So when he said that about me, and it's like, okay, well we'll give you a shot tomorrow.

My one of my biggest mistakes that I've ever made in my career. Was he was in my backyard. He used to be coming to the gym every single day and I didn't get him. I didn't know what he was going to be. But when I tell you, this is a player right now, this is a player, Like I made a mistake not getting him. So when he said that about me, and it's like, okay, well we'll give you a shot tomorrow.

You know what I mean.

You know what I mean.

So when I get in the game, Steve Blake is bringing the ball up. Steve Blake couldn't bring the ball up like four straight times, like four straight times. I ripped them right in the back court. Gotta lay up, gotta lay up, gotta lay them. They looking at me like like like way, they're like whoa whoa Like so now j wooll don't want to bring ja will don't want to bring the ball up.

So when I get in the game, Steve Blake is bringing the ball up. Steve Blake couldn't bring the ball up like four straight times, like four straight times. I ripped them right in the back court. Gotta lay up, gotta lay up, gotta lay them. They looking at me like like like way, they're like whoa whoa Like so now j wooll don't want to bring ja will don't want to bring the ball up.

Steed Man, I'm at look im. I was different.

Steed Man, I'm at look im. I was different.

A young Mike James was like a young Mike James was just an animal. Like I didn't understand like the level that I was like playing that. But when you're you know, there's getting back to it. There's three levels in sports as an athlete. There's the level of proving yourself. Every kid is gonna come in trying to prove themselves. They they believe that they belong and they're going to showcase that right there. Then the next level is you want to play at your your your skill level. You're good, you're happy, you're satisfied, life is good. You ain't gonna do too much more. You know, you come into your own And then there's the level of greatness. That's when you're playing against the history of the game. See, there's there's certain guys that they looking at they looking at their opponents like I'm not even playing against you, I'm playing against the records.

A young Mike James was like a young Mike James was just an animal. Like I didn't understand like the level that I was like playing that. But when you're you know, there's getting back to it. There's three levels in sports as an athlete. There's the level of proving yourself. Every kid is gonna come in trying to prove themselves. They they believe that they belong and they're going to showcase that right there. Then the next level is you want to play at your your your skill level. You're good, you're happy, you're satisfied, life is good. You ain't gonna do too much more. You know, you come into your own And then there's the level of greatness. That's when you're playing against the history of the game. See, there's there's certain guys that they looking at they looking at their opponents like I'm not even playing against you, I'm playing against the records.

I'm trying to do something.

I'm trying to do something.

There's something so the way I trained, the way I work out, everybody look at you like you're crazy, but it's like no offense, it has nothing to do with you. It's something that I'm trying to I'm trying to get in my career. And the thing is me personally as a player, I've only made it to have to prove myself.

There's something so the way I trained, the way I work out, everybody look at you like you're crazy, but it's like no offense, it has nothing to do with you. It's something that I'm trying to I'm trying to get in my career. And the thing is me personally as a player, I've only made it to have to prove myself.

I could never get out of the proving myself.

I could never get out of the proving myself.

So every year of my career, of my life, it was always yo. I was the fourteenth, fifteenth man and I got to make the roster. I'm the third fourth guard, and I got to make the roster. Now I'm starting. Now, I'm the backup average in twenty thirty minutes. But I don't come in with no expectations. No one, even when I had a good season the year before, they always say, oh, you're year, or you're you're a year, I'm older, Oh you're you can't do what you did last year.

So every year of my career, of my life, it was always yo. I was the fourteenth, fifteenth man and I got to make the roster. I'm the third fourth guard, and I got to make the roster. Now I'm starting. Now, I'm the backup average in twenty thirty minutes. But I don't come in with no expectations. No one, even when I had a good season the year before, they always say, oh, you're year, or you're you're a year, I'm older, Oh you're you can't do what you did last year.

That's just you know, that's just something, but it ain't you.

That's just you know, that's just something, but it ain't you.

So my big fight, my whole career was trying to fight the fact that what y'all think I am is completely I'm telling y'all this is real, Like.

So my big fight, my whole career was trying to fight the fact that what y'all think I am is completely I'm telling y'all this is real, Like.

I'm really passing it. I really, I'm really like this. But everybody thought that because it was me, that it was a fraudulent not.

I'm really passing it. I really, I'm really like this. But everybody thought that because it was me, that it was a fraudulent not.

Man, I know exactly. And here's the thing, Like, as for one, you are in the top, I think there's only twenty five hundred NBA players ever, like dude, the math, there's only twenty five hundred players that have ever played in the NBA, so you're already a one percenter. But my understanding was always look as a seventh footer. You know, when I first came and said that you had to have full seven footers, full power forwards on the team. So I'm like, look, man, if I can walk intoo bubblegum, you know, don't get in no trouble. I'm gonna give myself a shot to play in the league as a guard. They always says guard, you gotta do more because y'all a diama doesn't. I can go find a six foot guard. I can go find a six foot guard anywhere. So what you're saying is right on point. And like, nah, you gotta go three for four from three five to six, like you can't have off days. Like, man, I understand one hundred percent what that is. But like as a guard, who comes in or you'll score, especially then you had to score every single night, bro, Like you had to get it every night. So Mike, I feel that like that ain't that's a different level of respect. You know, Hey, I'll bring this up. They was mad at me when I had hard for MVP over Janni's why because what James Harden was doing was impossible. Bro. Not that we're not respecting Giannis, we're not a big fan of his work ethic and thing, but what James Harden was doing. Was on the impossible, hitting contested threes and having his team in playoff contention. So I hatch off to you, brother, So let's let's fast forward. Pat Riley gives you a chance. You learn things from him. You're going to camp, you grind. What was this like? Man? Were you just on your savagery? Like what was on home?

Man, I know exactly. And here's the thing, Like, as for one, you are in the top, I think there's only twenty five hundred NBA players ever, like dude, the math, there's only twenty five hundred players that have ever played in the NBA, so you're already a one percenter. But my understanding was always look as a seventh footer. You know, when I first came and said that you had to have full seven footers, full power forwards on the team. So I'm like, look, man, if I can walk intoo bubblegum, you know, don't get in no trouble. I'm gonna give myself a shot to play in the league as a guard. They always says guard, you gotta do more because y'all a diama doesn't. I can go find a six foot guard. I can go find a six foot guard anywhere. So what you're saying is right on point. And like, nah, you gotta go three for four from three five to six, like you can't have off days. Like, man, I understand one hundred percent what that is. But like as a guard, who comes in or you'll score, especially then you had to score every single night, bro, Like you had to get it every night. So Mike, I feel that like that ain't that's a different level of respect. You know, Hey, I'll bring this up. They was mad at me when I had hard for MVP over Janni's why because what James Harden was doing was impossible. Bro. Not that we're not respecting Giannis, we're not a big fan of his work ethic and thing, but what James Harden was doing. Was on the impossible, hitting contested threes and having his team in playoff contention. So I hatch off to you, brother, So let's let's fast forward. Pat Riley gives you a chance. You learn things from him. You're going to camp, you grind. What was this like? Man? Were you just on your savagery? Like what was on home?

Bro?

Bro?

You finally make it, but it sounded like you don't feel like you made it.

You finally make it, but it sounded like you don't feel like you made it.

Getting back, getting back, you know, to the getting into the NBA well, going to that tournament. Ed Pinckney's summer league played well that year. Ed telling them, Yo, this kid, Mike James, I'm telling you all, y'all gotta come see them. So my daughter was born, went back home and while my daughter was born, j Jamal Robinson got signed.

Getting back, getting back, you know, to the getting into the NBA well, going to that tournament. Ed Pinckney's summer league played well that year. Ed telling them, Yo, this kid, Mike James, I'm telling you all, y'all gotta come see them. So my daughter was born, went back home and while my daughter was born, j Jamal Robinson got signed.

He got signed from the camps ahead of me, and I went back to Europe that year.

He got signed from the camps ahead of me, and I went back to Europe that year.

So why were these guys getting signed because they were taller than you, because you said they didn't feel like you you could score at the NBA level, Why were they being picked up over you? And hold on, I gotta say this, Mike, You're an all time leader in steals. I know you forgetting buckets. Yo, I'm laughing because you are steals. Guy. Mike, I ain't know about the defense.

So why were these guys getting signed because they were taller than you, because you said they didn't feel like you you could score at the NBA level, Why were they being picked up over you? And hold on, I gotta say this, Mike, You're an all time leader in steals. I know you forgetting buckets. Yo, I'm laughing because you are steals. Guy. Mike, I ain't know about the defense.

I'm a jack of all trades.

I'm a jack of all trades.

But the thing is, in order for me to play, especially in Miami, I had to play defense first. This is how I got on the court. So I used defense to get me on a court, and then I can showcase my Then I can showcase my skill. I'm a first knockdown open threes. So now I'm a first run to offense. Make plays. Make people look happy about playing with me because I'm getting the ball in the right place, not turning the ball over, running offense, knocking down open shots, playing hard defense.

But the thing is, in order for me to play, especially in Miami, I had to play defense first. This is how I got on the court. So I used defense to get me on a court, and then I can showcase my Then I can showcase my skill. I'm a first knockdown open threes. So now I'm a first run to offense. Make plays. Make people look happy about playing with me because I'm getting the ball in the right place, not turning the ball over, running offense, knocking down open shots, playing hard defense.

Now you're going to give me a consistency. Now I can show you my offense.

Now you're going to give me a consistency. Now I can show you my offense.

Now I can really Now I can play a little more comfortable because you I'm known for one thing, but now I can show you other things. And so it was just being in Miami. Pat Riley said that next year I signed with an I go to a three day camp with the Heat. He says, Yo, it was like one hundred fifty something people There's he was like, Yo, killed everybody. He said, Mike, we couldn't evaluate you in three days. Can you stay for another week. I said, yeah, So stayed another week. They brought in about another five to ten of free agents, killed all of them. He said, Mike, we couldn't evaluate you in a week. Can you stay another week? So I wind up staying the whole summer, signing a partial guarantee that year, and then from there Rod Strickland came to the team. They I was the last cut on the in the game, I was the last cut, and.

Now I can really Now I can play a little more comfortable because you I'm known for one thing, but now I can show you other things. And so it was just being in Miami. Pat Riley said that next year I signed with an I go to a three day camp with the Heat. He says, Yo, it was like one hundred fifty something people There's he was like, Yo, killed everybody. He said, Mike, we couldn't evaluate you in three days. Can you stay for another week. I said, yeah, So stayed another week. They brought in about another five to ten of free agents, killed all of them. He said, Mike, we couldn't evaluate you in a week. Can you stay another week? So I wind up staying the whole summer, signing a partial guarantee that year, and then from there Rod Strickland came to the team. They I was the last cut on the in the game, I was the last cut, and.

I said, you know what, Okay, I made it this far with the NBA.

I said, you know what, Okay, I made it this far with the NBA.

I'm going back overseas, get me some money playing a euro League team. Now, this is what I was thinking of. Check Cameron, who was a head scout for the Miami Heat. He said, Mike, out of sight, out of mind, you have shown something this year. If you if you leave now, you will they'll forget about you.

I'm going back overseas, get me some money playing a euro League team. Now, this is what I was thinking of. Check Cameron, who was a head scout for the Miami Heat. He said, Mike, out of sight, out of mind, you have shown something this year. If you if you leave now, you will they'll forget about you.

So I said, dang. So I went to the CBA.

So I said, dang. So I went to the CBA.

I was playing for the Rocks for Lightning with Stacey King was the head coach.

I was playing for the Rocks for Lightning with Stacey King was the head coach.

This is when you.

This is when you.

Asked me, was there ever a turning point when I wanted to give up on the game or quit the game?

Asked me, was there ever a turning point when I wanted to give up on the game or quit the game?

This was the time my first five games that I was in the CBA.

This was the time my first five games that I was in the CBA.

I probably averaged about two for twenty five shooting a game.

I probably averaged about two for twenty five shooting a game.

I couldn't hit nothing, missing layups, missing jumps. I couldn't hit.

I couldn't hit nothing, missing layups, missing jumps. I couldn't hit.

Was that because you felt like you didn't belong there?

Was that because you felt like you didn't belong there?

What?

What?

I don't know?

I don't know?

Mentally, Yeah, of course I felt like I didn't belong there. But this I understood. Also, I swallowed my pride and just this. If this is something, this is a stepping stone in what I'm trying to accomplish in my career, well then well I got to go this route.

Mentally, Yeah, of course I felt like I didn't belong there. But this I understood. Also, I swallowed my pride and just this. If this is something, this is a stepping stone in what I'm trying to accomplish in my career, well then well I got to go this route.

And being there, Like the first five games, I was horrible.

And being there, Like the first five games, I was horrible.

I'm talking about averaging like freaking six seven turnovers.

I'm talking about averaging like freaking six seven turnovers.

Shooting like.

Shooting like.

So after one game we lost by like one two, I shot another two for thirty one of them type games.

So after one game we lost by like one two, I shot another two for thirty one of them type games.

I'm on the phone with my wife. I'm crying.

I'm on the phone with my wife. I'm crying.

I'm like, yo, I can't do this no more. I'm like, I can't watch this. I demand more from myself. I put in too much work to get in the game and see myself playing like this. So then after that conversation, you know, She's like, hold on whatever. The next five the next two weeks, I was Player of the Week in the CBA. I was averaging like thirty eight fifteen assists, twelve rebounds, like seven steals, like I completely like annihilated. I was killing everybody in front of me. It was crazy. But then actually, this is my biggest regret of my career. Greg Popovich the San Antonio Spurs called me, this is before Tony Parker came. Mind you, I played against Tony Parker the year before it destroyed him when he was at PSG. So Tony Parker knew me before I even came, before he came to NBA. When I was on the bench and he saw me, he was like because I was like, I.

I'm like, yo, I can't do this no more. I'm like, I can't watch this. I demand more from myself. I put in too much work to get in the game and see myself playing like this. So then after that conversation, you know, She's like, hold on whatever. The next five the next two weeks, I was Player of the Week in the CBA. I was averaging like thirty eight fifteen assists, twelve rebounds, like seven steals, like I completely like annihilated. I was killing everybody in front of me. It was crazy. But then actually, this is my biggest regret of my career. Greg Popovich the San Antonio Spurs called me, this is before Tony Parker came. Mind you, I played against Tony Parker the year before it destroyed him when he was at PSG. So Tony Parker knew me before I even came, before he came to NBA. When I was on the bench and he saw me, he was like because I was like, I.

Know you, like you show me, like, don't even trip.

Know you, like you show me, like, don't even trip.

So pop had like pop signed me to a ten day and I was so excited. I called my people from the heat and was like, Yo, I can't believe, but.

So pop had like pop signed me to a ten day and I was so excited. I called my people from the heat and was like, Yo, I can't believe, but.

I'm about to go to I'm about to go to San Antonium.

I'm about to go to I'm about to go to San Antonium.

Signed like are y'all Like they said, wait what, I'll call you right back.

Signed like are y'all Like they said, wait what, I'll call you right back.

I ain't no nothing.

I ain't no nothing.

I was like, I hung up. So then ten minutes later, the GM calls me. It's like, Yo, We're gonna guarantee you for the remainder of the year if you come back and we'll like, uh, we're gonna get so in my head, I'm a young boy.

I was like, I hung up. So then ten minutes later, the GM calls me. It's like, Yo, We're gonna guarantee you for the remainder of the year if you come back and we'll like, uh, we're gonna get so in my head, I'm a young boy.

I don't have no I don't know who Popovich is.

I don't have no I don't know who Popovich is.

I don't know Yah yeah, yeah, yah yeah.

I don't know Yah yeah, yeah, yah yeah.

He would have freaking loved the player like me, you know what I'm saying, on his team and he would have probably honed a player like me. But at the same time, when I heard that, Yo, you guaranteeing me ten day contract, like, I gotta threw myself all over again. I'm going back to a place that I'm already familiar. I already know. I said, Man, I'm going to Miami. And the funny thing, I signed with Miami, and you know that's when my NBA career started.

He would have freaking loved the player like me, you know what I'm saying, on his team and he would have probably honed a player like me. But at the same time, when I heard that, Yo, you guaranteeing me ten day contract, like, I gotta threw myself all over again. I'm going back to a place that I'm already familiar. I already know. I said, Man, I'm going to Miami. And the funny thing, I signed with Miami, and you know that's when my NBA career started.

All right, So you get to the league, you're finally on. You still got that chip on your shoulder. I can feel that chip because I played my whole career with a chip dog and you know I play hard. You know my chip is there. Is there somebody who gave you the absolute business, dog that you didn't see coming, you didn't know where it was, or just dog just out of nowhere? Was there anybody who just lit you up, like man, I gotta I gotta go get this defense thing back in alignment. Somebody who snuck you, and it could be a big name guy. It could be somebody people don't even think. Shoot. I always tell a story of o'fella Harrington to big Ol'feller took me to the other end after practice one day and warreed me out. Dog, It wore me out, bro, was it anybody you know? Once you get in kind of like you talked about levels of this like that. He snuffed me that time, like he got.

All right, So you get to the league, you're finally on. You still got that chip on your shoulder. I can feel that chip because I played my whole career with a chip dog and you know I play hard. You know my chip is there. Is there somebody who gave you the absolute business, dog that you didn't see coming, you didn't know where it was, or just dog just out of nowhere? Was there anybody who just lit you up, like man, I gotta I gotta go get this defense thing back in alignment. Somebody who snuck you, and it could be a big name guy. It could be somebody people don't even think. Shoot. I always tell a story of o'fella Harrington to big Ol'feller took me to the other end after practice one day and warreed me out. Dog, It wore me out, bro, was it anybody you know? Once you get in kind of like you talked about levels of this like that. He snuffed me that time, like he got.

And when I came back to Miami, my chest is out.

And when I came back to Miami, my chest is out.

I'm like, I'm growling.

I'm like, I'm growling.

I'm growling at everybody at the guard position.

I'm growling at everybody at the guard position.

Now you know what I mean. Like I'm getting on this court, but it ain't nobody stopping me.

Now you know what I mean. Like I'm getting on this court, but it ain't nobody stopping me.

I used to be in practice, like man, I'm picking you up ninety four feet, I'm gonna turn your old, but about five six times I kill You're old. But like this is how I'm thinking, because he was old. You know, he was about to retire in another year or two, and so the i'll guard him, I'll turn him once, I'll turn him twice.

I used to be in practice, like man, I'm picking you up ninety four feet, I'm gonna turn your old, but about five six times I kill You're old. But like this is how I'm thinking, because he was old. You know, he was about to retire in another year or two, and so the i'll guard him, I'll turn him once, I'll turn him twice.

He's gone. And I used to always be like, how the hell do he keep beating me off?

He's gone. And I used to always be like, how the hell do he keep beating me off?

The tremble if I want to take it roll and as soon as I go like this, He's gone.

The tremble if I want to take it roll and as soon as I go like this, He's gone.

I didn't even look long.

I didn't even look long.

I'm Rod Strickland had me picking him up, not at half court. I was meeting him at the screen. I didn't help because he embarrassed.

I'm Rod Strickland had me picking him up, not at half court. I was meeting him at the screen. I didn't help because he embarrassed.

Me so much.

Me so much.

And he's slow, he's not athletic, he's he's just skilled. He's gonna jump this high and he's gonna get wherever he went. And I used to be on the I used to be in practice like how how how is the Beth Roley used to cuss me out every day in practice because I just couldn't guard him. And I had no idea I had. He was the only person that I had. I didn't have an answer. I couldn't even I couldn't even define it, like what he was doing out there, it made no sense to me.

And he's slow, he's not athletic, he's he's just skilled. He's gonna jump this high and he's gonna get wherever he went. And I used to be on the I used to be in practice like how how how is the Beth Roley used to cuss me out every day in practice because I just couldn't guard him. And I had no idea I had. He was the only person that I had. I didn't have an answer. I couldn't even I couldn't even define it, like what he was doing out there, it made no sense to me.

Man and Rod Strickler Man Rod Strickland. There's like a group of OG's that if you know who they're your favorite basketball player. You have a couple like Rod Strickland, Rashi Wallace, Clifford Robinson, Big Dog, Glenn Rodber There's certain just OG's in the game that have that unit. Nick Vanax, So certain OG's got to have that love of the game. They may have not been the highest pinnacle, but you man, shout out Rod Strickland. He was definitely one of those guys.

Man and Rod Strickler Man Rod Strickland. There's like a group of OG's that if you know who they're your favorite basketball player. You have a couple like Rod Strickland, Rashi Wallace, Clifford Robinson, Big Dog, Glenn Rodber There's certain just OG's in the game that have that unit. Nick Vanax, So certain OG's got to have that love of the game. They may have not been the highest pinnacle, but you man, shout out Rod Strickland. He was definitely one of those guys.

Tell you another player. Tim Hardaway year my second year in Miami, my first year, you.

Tell you another player. Tim Hardaway year my second year in Miami, my first year, you.

Know, he was still coming around all his friends used to call me baby Timmy. He didn't like it, though, like, don't reminds me of you TV. Don't even mind that baby Timmy. So he used to get bothered by that, you know, because I used to hang around like some of the same people with him. So we used to go to Miami High to play. And this one this one day in the gym, games are like eleven, twelve, twos and ones. I think he scored ten and had an assist. And he hit like a He hit it like a Stephan. He hit like a Stephan Curry, like the last point on one of the plays, he hit a Stepan Curry three, like one step over. Like I'm mad right now because I'm trying, my heart is to stop him, and it's nothing I can do. He embarrassed me so hard that day I left the gym. I didn't return for that whole summer, That whole entire summer, I went back home, Like, I went back home and I trained, and all I thought of that whole summer was him. All I thought of was that embarrassment from what he did to me in that gym that day, Like he and he's old.

Know, he was still coming around all his friends used to call me baby Timmy. He didn't like it, though, like, don't reminds me of you TV. Don't even mind that baby Timmy. So he used to get bothered by that, you know, because I used to hang around like some of the same people with him. So we used to go to Miami High to play. And this one this one day in the gym, games are like eleven, twelve, twos and ones. I think he scored ten and had an assist. And he hit like a He hit it like a Stephan. He hit like a Stephan Curry, like the last point on one of the plays, he hit a Stepan Curry three, like one step over. Like I'm mad right now because I'm trying, my heart is to stop him, and it's nothing I can do. He embarrassed me so hard that day I left the gym. I didn't return for that whole summer, That whole entire summer, I went back home, Like, I went back home and I trained, and all I thought of that whole summer was him. All I thought of was that embarrassment from what he did to me in that gym that day, Like he and he's old.

Mind you, Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

Mind you, Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

You gotta remember this.

You gotta remember this.

I'm the young, up and coming, little mean little stun me hurt bone on bone. You know what I'm saying when I tell you, he destroyed me so bad.

I'm the young, up and coming, little mean little stun me hurt bone on bone. You know what I'm saying when I tell you, he destroyed me so bad.

He made me leave Miami.

He made me leave Miami.

I went back to I went back to Texas where I was living, and I was like, I'm done for the summer here, I'm going home and I'm ana train at home. But I thought of him the whole summer. But the next summer we was back at Miami High. I was so happy when I saw him.

I went back to I went back to Texas where I was living, and I was like, I'm done for the summer here, I'm going home and I'm ana train at home. But I thought of him the whole summer. But the next summer we was back at Miami High. I was so happy when I saw him.

I gave him.

I gave him.

I gave him like eight nine, you know, and he is and somebody else scored one bucket. But in my head it was like the dyption, like like, man, you're gonna hold list today. You ain't gonna never do that to me again. Like I felt so redeemed after that game when I killed him. But I was a little mad that somebody else scored one point because I wanted to give him all eleven like what he did to me.

I gave him like eight nine, you know, and he is and somebody else scored one bucket. But in my head it was like the dyption, like like, man, you're gonna hold list today. You ain't gonna never do that to me again. Like I felt so redeemed after that game when I killed him. But I was a little mad that somebody else scored one point because I wanted to give him all eleven like what he did to me.

Yeah, And you know what's funny, that's when we talking real hoop talk, because you get petty like that, bro, Like like you, if you lose a matchup, if you really love hoop, you're gonna be pet I never forgot Joe Kim.

Yeah, And you know what's funny, that's when we talking real hoop talk, because you get petty like that, bro, Like like you, if you lose a matchup, if you really love hoop, you're gonna be pet I never forgot Joe Kim.

Noah from the National Championship. I never forgot him from that game. Like if I saw Tyson Chandler, he was I grew up watching Tyson. I was giving Tyson two hundred percent playing against him. So you have You're absolutely right, bro, those matchup positions, that pettiness you thinking about, you know, you think about those guys, hey, shoot eight way back in high school. Josh Childers. Josh Children's were down near Kobe Bryant bro in high school. People don't know that they beat us at Mayfair. I never forgot Josh Childers, you know, I never forgot him from that day. Man, shoutout Josh by the way, all right, and we brought you down, man. One thing we like to do, We're gonna bring it back up. Mike jameson Mike Mike this is ain't your career high, but we got you going off for thirty one piece for five thirty one to five, little little night something like, man, talk us through this man, because you had you had just said, a nice little opportunity there in Toronto where you got a chance to cook. When we like to call this show the NBA Rookie Life Film Room where we watched the film. We get to talk on the film Man, We're gonna have some fun. Man, what was going on in this game here? Mike? Do you remember this man? Because you know, it seemed like you still had that chip on your shoulder dog.

Noah from the National Championship. I never forgot him from that game. Like if I saw Tyson Chandler, he was I grew up watching Tyson. I was giving Tyson two hundred percent playing against him. So you have You're absolutely right, bro, those matchup positions, that pettiness you thinking about, you know, you think about those guys, hey, shoot eight way back in high school. Josh Childers. Josh Children's were down near Kobe Bryant bro in high school. People don't know that they beat us at Mayfair. I never forgot Josh Childers, you know, I never forgot him from that day. Man, shoutout Josh by the way, all right, and we brought you down, man. One thing we like to do, We're gonna bring it back up. Mike jameson Mike Mike this is ain't your career high, but we got you going off for thirty one piece for five thirty one to five, little little night something like, man, talk us through this man, because you had you had just said, a nice little opportunity there in Toronto where you got a chance to cook. When we like to call this show the NBA Rookie Life Film Room where we watched the film. We get to talk on the film Man, We're gonna have some fun. Man, what was going on in this game here? Mike? Do you remember this man? Because you know, it seemed like you still had that chip on your shoulder dog.

You know, playing in playing in Boston, you know, playing with Paul Pierce, playing with those guys every day. He was like a doghouse in practice. Shout out Marcus Banks. Marcus Banks was one of those guys that really prepared me because he used to go at me his rookie year, you know when I was in Boshton with him and he used to prepare me for the Game's funny story, one time we was playing against Boston.