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The last time James Wiseman prepared for a regular season game was on November 12, 2019. Wiseman scored 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting from the field with 12 rebounds and a block in the 82 loss to the Memphis Tigers. -74 against the Oregon Ducks.
Fast-forward to the end of December 2020 and the No. 2 overall pick is about to make his long-awaited professional debut with the Golden State Warriors.
After just 69 minutes of college hoops on his résumé, Wiseman’s first NBA appearance will be in a primetime season opener showdown against Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets.
After missing the start of training camp and the entire preseason due to reportedly testing positive for COVID-19, Wiseman is “Good to go” for Golden State’s season opener against the Nets on Tuesday, according to Steve Kerr.
In a post-practice call with reporters, Kerr said Wiseman’s debut was “a great moment in his life and career.”
I hope you have fun, the first game of your career. He only played three games in Memphis. Obviously this is a great time in your life and career. I want you to enjoy it.
He has done very well in the practices in which he has participated. We are just trying to take it slowly and not put too much on your plate. We will try to keep things simple, and I think it will be fine out there.
Listen to Kerr’s entire call through Warriors SoundCloud.
Although Wiseman will be on the court against the Nets, it is not yet clear where he will land in the rotation. Kerr said he wouldn’t reveal the starting lineup for the season opener until Tuesday.
Kerr will have three options at the starting center position, including Kevon Looney, Marquese Chriss and the 2020 No. 2 overall pick. With Wiseman out of the preseason, Looney was included in the starting lineup at center.
With Draymond Green ruled out against the Nets, the Golden State Big Three could see a rebound in minutes on the front court. However, the Warriors could be patient with Wiseman’s playing time as he acclimates to professional play.
With the 19-year-old coming off a limited training camp and only three college-level games, Kerr could call on his seasoned greats for extended playing time.
The Warriors open the 2020-21 campaign against the Nets in Brooklyn at 4 PM PST on Tuesday.
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