James Harden Inspired by Ex-Nets Star’s Incredible Journey to Historic EuroLeague Milestone

The NBA is arguably the toughest basketball league in the world. With limited roster spots and a highly skilled pool of players, it is difficult for athletes to survive in the NBA. When things do not work out for the players, they usually head overseas to try their luck in other professional basketball leagues. A few even revive their career and turn into superstars. One such player is former Brooklyn Nets guard Mike James. The 33-year-old created history on Thursday by becoming the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer.

The AS Monaco star scored 20 points in Thursday’s win over Crvena Zvezda, taking his points total to 4,464. Mike surpassed legend Vassilis Spanoulis, who had 4,455 career EuroLeague points. Mike’s historic achievement even caught the attention of his former Nets teammate, James Harden. The Beard had high praise for Mike and talked about how his career has inspired several young athletes to pursue a career overseas. “He got game… Mike has done a really good job over his career when things didn’t work out in the NBA. He didn’t put his head down, he continued to work. As a result, he’s got the most buckets overseas. So, credit to him.” Harden said in an interview.

Harden commended Mike James for showing guys who have not had long stints in the NBA that they can have a successful and lucrative career in other professional leagues. Mike and Harden were teammates in Brooklyn for a brief period during the 2020-21 season. Harden had just been acquired from the Houston Rockets, and the Nets signed Mike James on consecutive 10-day contracts. James played only 13 games in the Nets uniform.

Mike James is a EuroLeague legend

Mike James’ NBA career has not been very memorable. He has played for three different teams, averaging only 8.9 points and 3.7 assists. However, Mike’s EuroLeague career will be what will ultimately define his basketball legacy. He is a 10-year veteran in the league and has had incredible runs with some of the best teams in the EuroLeague. But Mike’s longest run has been with his current team, AS Monaco. He has been playing in the same uniform since 2021 and has turned into a superstar.

Even at 33 years old, James is averaging 19.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season. He was named the MVP of the month in February for his incredible performance. That is the 5th time in his career he has received that honor. Mike has had a historic career in the EuroLeague, and his incredible achievement will inspire several athletes who could not showcase their skills in the NBA to pursue Greatness elsewhere.

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