USA Today via Reuters
Dec 22, 2020; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman (33) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets power forward Jeff Green (8) and Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 22, 2020; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman (33) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets power forward Jeff Green (8) and Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors selected second overall pick James Wiseman of Memphis in the 2020 NBA draft. Contrary to expectations, however, Wiseman failed to impress last season. Despite starting the season for the Warriors’ frontcourt, Wiseman ended his rookie season after 39 games.
Despite suffering an injury, an NBA insider said Wiseman could still play a key role with the Warriors. Wiseman tore his meniscus in his right knee during a game against the Houston Rockets. After undergoing knee surgery in April, he had to end his first association season.
USA Today via Reuters
January 25, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and center James Wiseman (33) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Wiseman’s below-par season
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The Golden State Warriors picked up Wiseman with the belief he would contribute solidly, immediately, and help them make a deep run in the playoffs. However, with only 11 points and 5 rebounds, the rookie center could not make an impact. Being able to play 39 regular-season games out of a possible 72 was unique and incomprehensible. Against the new level of competition presented by the NBA, Wiseman had to rack up more experience on the court.
Kendrick Perkins on “The Jump” insisted that Wiseman and other young players at the Warriors, “are going to be developed.”
Wiseman’s uncertain future
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Warriors could trade Wiseman, as he is more expendable in the long run. But with Wiseman out injured, they could suffer from potential injuries as they lack rotational frontcourt options. This could see them holding onto Wiseman to develop him further.
If Wiseman does not begin full practices until October 15, he may miss all of Golden State’s preseason games and the start of the regular season. Taking on the Los Angeles Lakers on October 19, 2021-22 marks the Warriors’ first game just four days after Wiseman jumps fully.
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Wiseman averaged 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks during his rookie season at Golden State. His motivation and determination could push him to display the level of talent he showed in college going into the 2021/22 season. Wiseman will have a crucial role to play in how the Warriors fare next season, as they are a win-now team.
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