Former Rockets guard Mike James back with the team

Recommended Video:

Former Rockets guard Mike James is back with the team as a player development intern, working with John Lucas in a role he hopes will be the start of a coaching career.

“It feels good,” James said. “I’m excited about the opportunity. I look forward to taking full advantage of it. I love the teaching aspect of the game. I’ve always been one that took guys under my wing. I’ve always been able to help develop a lot of ballplayers. Now, to help develop pro ballplayers is even more fun.”

James played for 11 teams over 14 NBA seasons, averaging 9.9 points per game. He worked with Lucas for many years before Lucas joined the Rockets staff last season. James, 42, played in the Big Three league this summer.

“When you know you have something to do with the development of a player and you help them and then you see them playing in the game and they’re doing things you went over with them, that’s a personal satisfaction,” James said of going into coaching. “Before, it was what I saw myself doing individually on the court. Now, it’s about what I was able to bring to the game, being able to bring that to the players here, helping them understand how to make the game easier for themselves.”