Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed profile of James Bailey:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: James L. Bailey
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on May 21, 1957
  • Hometown: Dublin, Georgia, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters)
  • Weight: 220 pounds (100 kg)
  • Wingspan: Not widely documented
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: 20, 25, 6, 22
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • High School: Xaverian Brothers High School (Westwood, Massachusetts)
  • College: Rutgers University (1975–1979)
  • NBA Draft: 1979, 1st round, 6th overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics
  • Teams Played For:
    • Seattle SuperSonics (1979–1981)
    • New Jersey Nets (1981–1986)
    • Houston Rockets (1985–1986)
    • New York Knicks (1986)
    • Phoenix Suns (1987–1988)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Not widely documented
  • Siblings: Not widely documented

Player Archetype / Play Style

James Bailey’s player archetype was that of an athletic interior finisher and weak-side shot-blocking big, a power forward-center tweener whose game leaned on explosiveness, size, and activity around the basket. At 6-foot-9 and roughly 220 pounds, he had the length and leactivity to play above the rim, which made him a natural fit as a help defender, rebounder, and secondary rim protector rather than a bruising low-post anchor. Offensively, his role was more complementary than creative, with much of his value coming as a finisher on cuts, lobs, and interior chances instead of as a primary half-court scorer, a style that matched the strong inside presence and dunking ability he showed at Rutgers before entering the NBA. His overall play style was built on athleticism, energy, and functional versatility up front, giving teams a mobile frontcourt piece who could run, finish, and contribute defensively without needing the offense built around him. (Wikipedia)

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — James Bailey Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Wikipedia — James Bailey (basketball)
Laurens County African American History — JAMES BAILEY – Jammin James