James Bailey is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for nine seasons. He has played for teams like the Seattle SuperSonics, New Jersey Nets, and the Phoenix Suns. He was known for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.
Player Profile
James Edward Bailey was born on May 21, 1957, in Dublin, Georgia, United States of America.
He stands 206 cm tall and his weight was listed at 99 kg. Bailey shot right-handed and played as a power forward.
| Position | Power Forward |
| Height / weight | 2.06 m / 99 kg |
| Born | 21 May 1957 |
| Nationality |
United States
|
| Playing Style | Right Handed |
| Nickname | Jammin' James |
| Team History | |
| Olimpia Milano | 1988 - 1990 |
Phoenix
|
1987 - 1988 |
New Jersey Nets
|
1986 - 1987 |
New York
|
1984 - 1986 |
Houston
|
1982 - 1984 |
|
New Jersey Nets
|
1981 - 1983 |
Seattle SuperSonics
|
1979 - 1982 |
High School and College Career
Bailey attended Xaverian High School in Westwood, Massachusetts. He then played college basketball for Rutgers University from 1974 to 1978.
At Rutgers, Bailey was a key player in the team’s run to the 1976 NCAA Final Four.
Professional Career
Bailey was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 6th overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft. He played his first three NBA seasons with the SuperSonics from 1979 to 1982.
In 1981, Bailey was traded to the New Jersey Nets. He then played for the Houston Rockets from 1982 to 1984. Bailey played for the New York Knicks from 1984 to 1986 before returning to the Nets for the 1986-87 season. He finished his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns in the 1987-88 season.
After his NBA career, Bailey played two seasons in Italy for Olimpia Milano from 1988 to 1990 before retiring.
Over his nine-year NBA career, Bailey averaged 8.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game.
Career Highlights
- 1979 - Third-team All-American – UPI
- 1978, 1979 - 2× Eastern 8 Player of the Year
- 1978 - Second-team All-American – UPI
- 1978 - Third-team All-American – NABC
- No. 20 retired by Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Career NBA statistics:
- Points: 5,246 (8.8 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,988 (5.0 rpg)
- Blocks: 521 (0.9 bpg)
