Before the New York Knicks handed Jeremy Lin their point guard job and started the sporting world's newest fascination with a young athlete, the Knicks nearly released Lin in order to sign guard Mike James. James, who recently signed with the Bulls, told ESPN Chicago's Melissa Isaacson that the Knicks were considering adding him in place of Lin.
James, 36, spent time with Chicago earlier this season while reigning MVP Derrick Rose was dealing with a turf toe injury, and the team has brought him back into the fold now that Rose is struggling with some back issues. Although the Bulls have two solid alternatives to Rose in C.J. Watson and John Lucas III, the team doesn't want to risk being forced into a situation without an obvious point guard.
Related: Rose Officially Out Vs. Kings, Bulls Set To Re-Sign Mike James
In three games with the Bulls this season, James is averaging 4.0 points and 3.6 assists per game. In his final game before Rose returned to take his place, James notched nine points and ten assists against the Charlotte Bobcats on Jan. 21.
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