When you think of Houston Rockets history, jersey No. 13 has seen its share of talent. Among the 11 players who have worn it, Mike James stands out as a gritty guard who brought hustle and heart to the court during his two stints with the team.

James' path to the NBA was far from conventional. After a solid college career at Duquesne, he went undrafted in 1998. Instead of giving up, he grinded through other leagues before earning his shot with the Miami Heat in 2001. From there, he bounced around the league—playing for the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks—before landing in Houston for the first time in 2005.

During his time with the Rockets, James wore only two numbers: No. 13 and No. 7. While his stats—9.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game—might not jump off the page, he was a reliable contributor off the bench. His first stint with Houston lasted until he was traded to the Toronto Raptors that offseason, but after a stop with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he returned to the Rockets in 2007 for one more season.

For fans who love the deep cuts of Rockets history, James represents the kind of player who made every minute count. Whether you're rocking a retro No. 13 jersey or just diving into the team's rich past, his story is a reminder that sometimes the best journeys start with being overlooked.