Mike James could he have worn the tricolor jersey? The question obviously arose for the Blues, says the newspaper L’Équipe, who quotes an executive from the FFBB. Indeed, last year, representatives of the Monaco player approached the French Federation.
The objective? Obtain information on the modalities of a possible naturalization of Mike James, born in Portland. But it obviously didn't go much further.
“We don't have the culture of other nations that systematically use naturalized players. But we have a duty to explore all possibilities. In this case, we were asked, we looked and quickly established that it was not a question”affirms the FFBB executive.
Choosing between Mike James and Joel Embiid
The fault lies with an even more important file to manage for the Blues: Joel Embiid. The 2023 NBA MVP had just obtained French nationality and promised to come and play for the French team. As the national selections are only allowed one naturalized player, the choice logically fell on the pivot.
Even if, a year later, the flirtation with the Philadelphia player yielded nothing, the latter opting for Team USA, and the shortcomings in the position of playmaker of the France team will perhaps make Mike James regret , Monaco player since 2021.
“If a team, its players really want me to be there, think that I can contribute something, it would also be an honor to be part of such an adventure”commented the playmaker of the Roca Team, MVP of the Euroleague this season, in May 2023. While recalling that “players dedicate their lives and careers to being in the twelve, so taking someone's place can cause an uncomfortable feeling, that would be the case for me.”
