Valley of the Suns
Fansided

A look back at the year of terrible Phoenix Suns PG play

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Travis Trice #0 of the Brisbane Bullets during the first half of the NBA preseason game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Travis Trice #0 of the Brisbane Bullets during the first half of the NBA preseason game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 31: Mike James #55 of the Phoenix Suns high fives his teammates during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 31, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 31: Mike James #55 of the Phoenix Suns high fives his teammates during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 31, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Mike James – 10 starts

After Bledsoe was suspended prior to his trade, under new Head Coach Jay Triano, Mike James began what appeared to be an almost miraculous beginning to his NBA career. A very explosive scorer who impressed on several occasions in the Summer League, he had been brought in to backup Bled but was soon thrust into the starter’s role looking absolutely fantastic – at first.

Through his first five games, James averaged an impressive 13.2 points and 4.8 assists, while shooting a blistering 47.1% from beyond the arc, a statistic that far outpaced Bledsoe from 3 (a common theme).

Over a total of ten starts, James proved he could score, as well as secure the ball, averaging 13.0 points, dishing out 4.2 assists, and only averaging 1.4 turnovers per outing.

James’ fantastic play even earned him the first guaranteed contract for a 2-way G-League call-up in NBA history.

As much fun as his story was initially though, he was no starter. His 3-point percentage remained at a respectable 36.8%, however he was a volume scorer and shot a miserable 38.9% from the field, often leaving his more talented teammates, including Devin Booker, standing around watching.

15 days after signing his guaranteed contract, James was waived.

Starting Stats: 13.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 turnovers, 38.9% FG%, 36.8% 3pt%, 80.0% FT%

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