Anadolu Efes Signs EuroLeague Star Mike James
Anadolu Efes Istanbul has finalized a significant roster acquisition for the 2026 offseason, bringing in EuroLeague's top historical scorer, Mike James. The accomplished guard has committed to a one-year agreement, with an option for an additional season, a move announced by the Turkish club on Saturday, July 11th. This signing comes after the departure of Shane Larkin, positioning James, aged 35, to assume a pivotal offensive role following his successful five-season tenure with AS Monaco, where he solidified his reputation as one of Europe's most effective basketball talents.
James arrives at Anadolu Efes following a stellar 2025-26 EuroLeague season with Monaco, where his average contributions included 16.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists over 34 games. His integration into the Efes squad not only addresses the primary playmaking void left by Larkin but also facilitates a reunion with former Monaco teammates Matthew Strazel and Jordan Loyd, fostering a sense of familiarity within the new team structure. This strategic recruitment is expected to bolster Efes's competitive edge in the upcoming season.
As he embarks on his twelfth EuroLeague season, James holds the distinction of being the competition's all-time leading scorer, having amassed 5,916 points across 362 games, averaging an impressive 16.3 points per appearance. His remarkable career also includes the highest total Performance Index Rating (PIR) in EuroLeague history, reaching 6,181, and he leads all players in free throws made with 1,347. His scoring prowess and overall impact have been consistently evident throughout his career, making him a cornerstone player for any team.
Furthermore, James's statistical achievements extend to other key areas, ranking second all-time in EuroLeague three-pointers with 665, third in two-pointers made with 1,287, fourth in assists with 1,772, and tied for fifth in steals with 367. His exceptional performance has earned him five All-EuroLeague team selections, including First Team honors in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons, highlighting his sustained excellence and recognition as an elite player in the league. These accolades underscore his comprehensive skill set and consistent impact on the court.
His most outstanding individual season occurred in 2023-24, when James was named EuroLeague MVP, delivering averages of 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for Monaco. During this period, he demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 43.9% from the field and 38.0% from beyond the arc. Over his five seasons with Monaco, which commenced in 2021, James became the franchise's leader in several EuroLeague categories, including games played (195), total points (3,220), assists (1,074), PIR (3,523), three-pointers made (348), two-pointers made (694), and free throws made (788). His tenure at Monaco was a period of sustained dominance and record-breaking performance.
Prior to his impactful stint with Monaco, James showcased his talents across several other prominent EuroLeague clubs, including Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Olimpia Milano, and CSKA Moscow. He also briefly ventured into the NBA, playing for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2020-21 season, before ultimately returning to European basketball, where he has consistently thrived. His diverse playing experience across multiple elite leagues and teams further highlights his versatility and adaptability as a top-tier professional basketball player.
For Anadolu Efes, this acquisition signifies a crucial step in their roster restructuring efforts, aimed at revitalizing the team after a disappointing 2025-26 EuroLeague season. The club concluded the regular season in 19th place with a 12-26 record, missing the playoffs after several years as a formidable contender. This move, along with other key signings and departures, is designed to rebuild a competitive team capable of challenging for top honors once again.
The summer has seen significant changes to Efes's roster, with the addition of talents such as Dario Saric, Strazel, Santi Yusta, and Bruno Fernando. Simultaneously, the team has parted ways with several players, including Larkin, Saben Lee, Rolands Smits, Nick Weiler-Babb, Vincent Poirier, and Sehmus Hazer. James is expected to take over a substantial offensive role previously occupied by Larkin, who averaged 15.3 points and 4.2 assists in 12 EuroLeague games last season before his departure. Efes will heavily rely on James’s scoring ability, playmaking skills, and invaluable late-game experience as they strive to reclaim their position among the elite teams in European basketball.