James Wiseman completed his long-predicted journey to the Golden State Warriors after the team selected him with the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
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As the 2019-20 Warriors capitulated to injuries, the high lottery pick fit with the top-prospect Wiseman seemed perfect. The Warriors would finally have a permanent solution to their constant issues at the center position.
However, is James Wiseman just a big name? Does he have the talent to help this team contend instantly? He actually does. But will he also shape the long-term future of the team?
That is where the what-ifs become a little more prominent. Nonetheless, the Warriors picked the best option for them with the pick.
Wiseman is coming out of Memphis, where his academic eligibility was suspended early in the season. However, his talent was evident, and that did not hurt his draft stock much.
The Warriors were slated to pick him even before there were concrete odds for their pick. That is how natural this fit was. But will Wiseman be the conduit that brings back the glory days to the team?
James Wiseman fulfills the last piece
While obviously, the Warriors’ season is in jeopardy with Klay Thompson’s possible Achilles tear, Wiseman’s performance will be scrutinized nonetheless.
The Warriors core of Klay, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green are aging and the team has a small window left. Thompson’s injury just makes it that much harder.
However, Wiseman provides the dominant paint presence the Warriors have desperately needed. His ability to stretch the floor at a rudimentary level is bound to get better with Curry on the team.
Considering rivals in the West have big men like Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic, Wiseman will have to go through a trial by fire. However, it still may be better than having an unconventional piece as that five.
The Warriors have seen a lot of centers come and go in Andrew Bogut, DeMarcus Cousins, and even Willie Cauley-Stein in their recent history.
However, Wiseman may actually be a permanent fit that seasons slowly with Steph and Klay playing out the end of their primes. Klay’s injury may even force Wiseman to take a more aggressive offensive role off the bat.
There will be some hard nights for the rookie, but Wiseman is as sure a thing that the Warriors could have selected. Hopefully, it all works out now.
