Noles' In The NBA

MARK J. TERRILL, AP

Since our last update Bernard James has played in six out of the eight games for the Dallas Mavericks, who have won three and lost five.  During those games he has averaged 14.8 minutes of playing time.  James is averaging 4.8 points per game with 4.5 rebounds.

Recap Of Seminoles in the NBA

Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

With the second week of the NBA about to start, here is a recap of how the Seminoles have fared.

Chris Singleton of the Washington Wizards:  Chris has played in all five game this year for the Wizards and is averaging 13 minutes a game coming off the bench.  During that time, he is shooting 52.2% from the field and scoring 5.6 points per game.  Singleton is getting 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 assist and 1 steal per game.  His numbers are a little skewed because in one game he played less than a minute.

Bernard James Signs With The Mavericks

After a strong showing in the Las Vegas Summer League where Bernard James averaged nearly a double-double, the Dallas Mavericks have signed the center to a contract adding him to their 15 man roster.  James scored 10.2 points and 9 rebounds a game while playing an average of 26.2 minutes.  He will be the backup to Chris Kaman and Elton Brand.

The Dallas Mavericks have now signed all of their draft picks from this years draft.  Jared Cunningham, Jae Crowder and Bernard James should all make contributions to the team as the Mavericks have decided to take size and athleticism to improve the team.

James Making A Statement

Bernard James has only played in three games for the Dallas Mavericks since being drafted a month ago and is already excelling on the court.  During the Summer League he has been very efficient shooting 65.2% on 23 shots which trails second year player Dominique Jones by 30 attempts. He might not be getting the touches inside but when given the chance he converts.  Also, James has been hitting the glass grabbing 29 total rebounds for a 9.7 average which is the highest on the team.  Of those rebounds, 22 are on the defensive end helping the team not give up second chance points.  His defensive rebounds alone are more than any other player's total rebounds.

Bernard James is a force for other centers/forwards to guard and box-out and he will only get better as he gets more comfortable playing in the NBA.

Bernard James Ready To Contribute

Bernard James' name was called for the 33rd pick in 2012 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers who then traded the draft rights to the Dallas Mavericks.  James will now be playing in the state where he began his military career.  As a two year starter for the Seminoles' he led the team in blocks and rebound improving on both each year.
James can be a help to the Dallas Mavericks right away, he has the size and ability to be a great defender in the NBA.  Also he knows where he stands as a player.

"I know who I am as a basketball player," James said. "I'm not under the impression that I'm going to go out there and be Kobe Bryant for a team. I know I'm a hustle guy, an energy guy. I'm going to rebound, block shots and play defense well. That's my role at the NBA level. I know that and I'm happy with that. If you get a couple of points out of me, that'll be a bonus. I know I can contribute to a team."

The Dallas Mavericks will be playing in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, their first game will be played on July 15th against the Denver Nuggets.