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After months of speculation, we finally got our answer. There was no highly successful deal, no trade or acquisition involving a veteran.
The Golden State Warriors selected Memphis big man James Wiseman with the second pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Wiseman is a perfect fit for the Dubs both in the short term and in the future.
The 19-year-old’s sample size is small, he played in just three games for the Tigers last season. He averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. His 40-minute numbers are staggering with 34.2 points and 18.6 rebounds, and he had a ridiculous net score of +69.8 in his brief college career.
I asked Wiseman how he sees himself fitting in with the Warriors during his post-selection media availability.
“Come in and learn as much as possible, they have great veterans in Stephen Curry, you have Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney and Marquese Chriss, a lot of great players on the team,” Wiseman said. “I want to fit into my role, stay humble and try to be trainable, which I am. Just go in and work hard, play hard. I really like the fit and the position I’m in is great for me. “
Golden State needed an infusion of athleticism and youth in a roster that features three All-Stars who are on the wrong side of 30. The 7’1 Wiseman, who has a wingspan of 7’6, gives the Dubs both. galore.
With the Warriors finishing in the bottom 10 in both shooting blocking and rebounding last season, general manager Bob Myers needed to address both weaknesses, which is why Wiseman makes the most sense.
He should come in and contribute immediately, which becomes even more critical considering Klay Thompson’s injury. Even though Wiseman hasn’t played in a game in nearly a calendar year, he’s confident that playing for two coaches who played pro has him ready for the next level.
“I’ve been looking at concepts,” Wiseman said. “Being coached by Penny Hardaway and Mike Miller, he was already in an NBA system.”
Wiseman’s ceiling is among the highest of any prospect in the 2020 class. On the offensive side, Wiseman is an elite spiker around the rim and will come in handy at the pick-and-roll due to his raw athleticism and your ability to score on paint. He runs down the court like a gazelle and could thrive in the Warriors’ fast-paced offense. The big man isn’t good at creating for his teammates at this stage in his career, but playing with high-level talent means he won’t need much of the ball in his hands.
Defensively, Wiseman has all the tools you’re looking for in a shot blocker and prolific rebounder. It will alter shots in the paint and give the Dubs a solid option on the back line of the defense.
Wiseman is also familiar with Curry and is excited to play alongside the two-time NBA MVP.
“I have a great relationship with Steph. I obviously went to his camp [during his high school days]”Wiseman said. “He taught me a lot about basketball, he gave me a lot of information. That’s my Boy “.
We should see how much Wiseman has learned when the NBA season begins in just over a month.
