Mike James has explained why he chose Anadolu Efes and addressed the ongoing debate over his status as the EuroLeague’s greatest player of all time.
The veteran guard said his conversations with Anadolu Efes general manager and head coach Pablo Laso gave him a clear picture of the club’s plans for the upcoming season and his role within them.
“The conversations we had and just what they thought about the team this year and everything going on. The GM and Pablo Laso,” Mike James said at Anadolu Efes Media Day.
“Just seeing what they had planned and what they envisioned for me, and just the team they were putting together. I just thought it was good and thought we would have a chance to compete. I still feel that way, so I’m excited.”
Mike James believes Anadolu Efes has the recipe for success
Competing for championships was one of the biggest factors behind James’ decision to join Anadolu Efes.
“I wanted to be in a place where I thought I would have a chance to win, and I just felt like they gave that to me,” he added.
James also explained what he hopes to bring to Anadolu Efes after joining the club.
“Hopefully, I will bring wins. My priority is winning.”
He also acknowledged that Anadolu Efes has been on a downward trajectory in recent seasons and pointed to Shane Larkin’s injury problems as a factor.
“Anadolu Efes has been on a decline for a few years. Shane Larkin’s injuries probably coincided with that situation as well. When you can’t have a player like that playing every game, things become difficult.”
James also pointed to Efes’ roster construction as one of the main reasons he believes the team can compete at the highest level.
“I think the way I see teams and how I see people winning and the way they are built, I just saw that in Anadolu Efes. I think having athletic forwards, people who can defend, and having four-men and bigs that can do a lot of different things, I think that’s kind of the recipe for success.”
The former EuroLeague MVP believes versatility across the roster can provide an important advantage, even in a league where guards often have a major influence on success.
“Obviously, guards do a lot in this league and they’re kind of key to a lot of success, but I think just having a lot of versatility in other positions gives you a big boost,” Mike James concluded.
James addresses the EuroLeague GOAT debate
Mike James was also asked whether he still considers himself the greatest player in EuroLeague history. His answer was brief and direct: “Yes.”
When asked whether there was any doubt about his opinion, James doubled down on his stance.
“In my opinion, yes. You asked me, and I gave you my opinion.”
