Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Mike James made his national team debut with Team USA this summer in FIBA 2027 World Cup Qualifiers at 35 years old. He acknowledged what it means to represent his country especially at his age. "It was amazing. I had a lot of fun doing it to be honest. It was a good experience. I was happy that I got to experience it. If I had to guess, my career is probably over now, but it was fun. Super fun. I was very thankful for it." He revealed that he had offers from other countries to represent them before playing for USA. "I think I've had some inquiries before and had some people ask me to come join and play and I've considered it before. I think it either didn't work out or didn't make sense at the time. And it was easy to go play for USA and have some time with them.
USA Basketball today announced the 12-man roster and coaching staff for the August 2026 USA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Window 4 Team, which will play at Chile and host Colombia on Aug. 27 and Aug. 31, respectively. The 12 athletes have professional experience in the NBA, NBA G League and internationally with eight players having prior USA Basketball experience. The August 2026 USA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Team includes Jaron Blossomgame, Pedro Bradshaw, Garrison Brooks, Darius Brown, Kevon Harris, Mike James, DeJon Jarreau, Dillon Jones, James Nunnally, Orlando Robinson, Tyler Smith and Cole Swider.
The approaching FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers are set to feature action across all four continental qualifying zones, and Team USA is reinforcing its roster with elite EuroLeague experience. Preparing for a fresh six-game schedule in the final qualifying stage on the road to next summer’s tournament in Qatar, the program has released an expanded 23-player preliminary list that heavily emphasizes international pedigree alongside domestic depth. Anadolu Efes playmaker Mike James is on the initial roster, boasting his first two caps from earlier in the ongoing Americas Qualifiers. The seasoned guard is poised to bounce back and provide vital offensive leadership. Joining him in the spotlight is Dubai forward and former AS Monaco teammate, Jaron Blossomgame, who earns a spot on the initial pool and stands as a prime candidate to make his official debut with the senior national squad.
James averaged 16.5 points in more than 360 EuroLeague games while starring for clubs in Croatia, Israel, Italy, Greece, Spain, Russia and France, most recently helping AS Monaco to three consecutive French league championships. He is currently a free agent and said he would “love” to see NBA interest, though he knows he would probably be a late addition if that materialized. For now, he said, his focus is on USA Basketball. “I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now and trying to get two wins and stay healthy as possible,” James said.
James might be near the end of his playing career, but he is not done yet. And if the NBA-backed European league is ready by 2027, he’d be interested if he’s still playing at a high level. “I think any improvements on the league or just a better league in general, I would love to play,” James said. “I don’t know if I’ll still be around by the time (NBA Europe) launches.”
Advertisement
James, 35, is the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer and is qualified to discuss basketball on a global stage: the EuroLeague might merge with a new NBA Europe, or the two leagues could compete. So what does James think about NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s overseas work and its impact on the league that made James famous? “I would love for them to not make an individual league, but to somehow partner with the league that’s already there,” James told The Athletic. “Because I feel like they have some good things about it.”
After a dramatic endgame in the Dominican Republic, Mike James and Team USA pulled away with another nerve-racking finish, escaping Mexico with a huge 94-93 win in the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers. The Americans will cap off their first round with a 5-1 record to top Group A and secure the powerhouse nation's ticket to the next round of the tournament. James delivered a major all-around performance of 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists across 19 minutes. The EuroLeague superstar hit back-to-back big-time shots in the closing minute and sealed the United States' Monday victory by nailing his two foul shots with seven seconds to go.
I feel like you know you're good enough to be in the NBA. Was it more a matter of not being in the right place at the right time? Mike James: I think that I realized a long time ago that just because you are good enough to be in the NBA doesn't mean you're supposed to be. I think it's a lot of people that are not in the NBA that probably could be, have had the chance to be, but you know, certain things don't work out. Even though you could be better than a person, maybe he's just a better fit, and a lot of things are about that. I'm not thinking about it every day or worried about it. It's just I am where I am, and I'm happy where I'm at.
Who's your GOAT? Mike James: Michael Jordan. He's the best. How old were you when he was playing? Mike James: In 1984, I was negative six; in 1998, I was eight. I got the craziest memory. They had a game when they played the Jazz, I think the last year he played. And they won 96-54 in a Finals game. And I just remember watching like, 'Damn, Michael Jordan this good? This game boring.' And I just went outside and started hooping. It was Game 3, his last title. They beat them badly. And I was just like, 'Man, this is crazy. He's amazing. Nobody beats him.'
FC Barcelona faces a potential legal battle with Mike James after allegedly abruptly backing out of a signed contract, according to Mundo Deportivo. Before igniting this controversy, the EuroLeague superstar and the Catalan club had reportedly formalized an agreement, signaling a major acquisition. Departing head coach Xavi Pascual had heavily advocated for the 35-year-old point guard to bolster the roster for the upcoming 2026–27 season. However, the situation shifted entirely when the 53-year-old tactician exercised his release clause to leave the club.
Advertisement
Mike James’ future has taken an unexpected turn. Just when everything pointed to the American point guard joining Barça for the upcoming season and a deal was finalized between the two parties, the agreement was annulled and we are back at square one. This was reported by Basketnews and confirmed a few minutes later by Catalan radio station RAC1, who reported that the Catalan club and the player will not continue talks. This decision has surprised everyone because it was practically a given that James would wear the Barcelona jersey.
Blossomgame has already confirmed that this will be his final season with Monaco. Speaking on the Amerikanos24 podcast, he also speculated about Mike James' future, suggesting that the guard's next destination is likely to be in Spain. Blossomgame was first asked about the possibility of James joining Dubai Basketball. He shut down the idea, saying, "Zero percent now, for sure," referencing the impact of the war in the Middle East. "He's going to Barcelona," podcast co-host Chima Moneke noted. "I think he's going to go to Barcelona, Milan, or he would listen to offers from Greek teams, but he doesn't want to go back to Greece," Blossomgame said.
A major Mike James contract development is set to reshape the European free agency market ahead of the 2026 offseason. According to BasketNews sources, Mike James is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2026, one year earlier than previously anticipated.
James originally signed a contract extension with AS Monaco through the 2026-27 season in 2024, but sources say the deal was renegotiated at the end of last season, shortening its length. As a result, James will be eligible to sign a new contract with Monaco or explore opportunities with other teams next summer.