I sat down with NBA champion Mike James to talk about his journey from going undrafted to winning a title with the Detroit Pistons.

We talked about almost giving up on basketball, why he wishes he signed with the Spurs, and what it was like being on the other side of Kobe’s 81-point game. Mike also shared some great stories about KG’s trash talk, crossing up Stephon Marbury, and how confident he was that Houston could win a title with him, T-Mac, and Yao.

We finished by talking about mental health, adjusting to life after basketball, and the work he’s doing with young athletes.

Appreciate Mike for coming on and being open about his career and life beyond the game.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:23 Falling in love with basketball
1:04 Going undrafted
2:06 Playing overseas and getting a chance with Miami
4:19 Being overlooked coming from a smaller school
5:42 Thinking about quitting basketball
7:47 Why he wishes he signed with the Spurs
11:18 Winning a title with the 2004 Pistons
13:46 Kobe’s 81-point game
16:08 KG’s trash talk
17:49 Crossing up Stephon Marbury
19:08 Earning respect from other players
20:39 Breaking out in Toronto and what could’ve been in Houston
23:48 Mental health after basketball
26:43 His work with young athletes
27:39 Adjusting to retirement
28:58 Wrapping up

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