The 2nd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, James Wiseman, was selected by the Golden State Warriors. While the 7-foot center did have a somewhat impressive rookie year, it was ladened with injuries. A wrist injury in January 2021, followed by a meniscus tear in April of the same year, had him miss the remaining of his 2020-21 campaign.
Advertisement
In the 39 games that he played in his debut season, Wiseman averaged 11.5 PPG and 5.8 RPG, shooting 51.9% from the field. Standing at 7-feet tall, the former University of Memphis player had everyone take notice of his agility and speed on both ends of the court, displaying his versatility.
Unfortunately, the Warriors center’s rehabilitation from a torn meniscus would have him sit out the entire 2021-22 season. Nonetheless, as Wiseman rehabbed from injury, GM Bob Myers and co had him assigned to their G-league affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors.
As Wiseman sat on the bench the entire year, the Warriors would catapult themselves back on top of the NBA heap, winning their 4th title in 8-years. With a lot to prove, the 21-year-old would make a comeback in the current season but failed to create an impact, leading to Coach Kerr sending him to the G-league so he could receive individual attention.
James Wiseman is grateful to be called back from the G-league.
Post spending 3-weeks with Santa Cruz, the Warriors announced Wiseman would be returning to camp. During his seven games with the G-league affiliate, the Nashville native averaged 15.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 1.1 BPG, playing 26.6 MPG, even showing improvement in his net rating.
Nevertheless, Wiseman is ecstatic about being called back, sharing his excitement, saying the following.
However, the Warriors center will have to wait as Coach Kerr isn’t too comfortable switching up his rotations yet, given the roster seems to have started clicking post a rocky start to the season.
James Wiseman shares his experience on the latest G-league stint.
While many expected Wiseman to be spending a couple of months improving his game at the G-league, the former Memphis Tigers player was called back much sooner than expected, something he’s eternally grateful for, sharing his experience with Santa Cruz, the Warriors center told ESPN the following.
“(Santa Cruz) was fun,” said Wiseman. “I’m a hooper. I got to play 25, 28 minutes. That was love right there. I was going out there, working hard, just trying to get better, had so much fun out there. Probably too much fun.”
With a six-game road trip on the east coast ahead of themselves, the Warriors can surely benefit from the services of Wiseman.
