Mike James: 'We have to find a way to shorten the regular season' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Mike James is one of the brightest stars in the EuroLeague. Having recently signed an extension with AS Monaco, he is set to stay in the top European league for two more years.

Mike James

MIN:31.19PTS:16.37 (51.35%)REB:3.18As:5.74ST:1.24BL:0.08TO:2.5GM:38ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

Like many basketball players, he is now enjoying the offseason by getting his body ready for the upcoming season. However, he has one particular suggestion that would improve the lives of athletes in Europe.

"This summer has been good work so far but I can't help but notice it's almost over," James tweeted. "We have to find a way to shorten the regular season. Players need a longer offseason to get their body right and work on their game."

Former AX Armani Exchange Milan guard Malcolm Delaney echoed James' thoughts: "Yearly complaints they don't think about fixing. National team players get no breaks."

AS Monaco's season in the French Basketball League (LNB) ended on June 25th, i.e. not even a month has passed since. The French league ended its season at the latest date out of all major European basketball leagues.

However, a case can be made for almost all of the leagues. For example, the Greek League ended the year on June 17th, Spain and Germany - on June 19th, Italy - on June 18th, Turkey - on June 13th, while only the ABA League knew their champions on June 6th.

Many professional teams start their training camps in August. With players having various obligations outside their regular season teams during the summer, it is not unreasonable to ask for a shorter season.

Of course, that would mean more games in less time but Mike James seems to be certain that the players can take the risk.

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