‘James Wiseman is one of the most important players in this team’: All-Star Draymond Green puts rookie center’s relegation to the bench into perspective

Draymond Green commented that James Wiseman is a crucial part of the Warriors for their bounce-back campaign from last season.

After an embarrassing season last year, the Golden State Warriors are looking on bouncing back. This offseason, with the 2nd pick in the 2020 draft, the Warriors drafted the 7-footer James Wiseman.

Very quickly, Wiseman adjusted to the team and became their starting center. He was being mentored by the former defensive player of the year Draymond Green. A lot of credits for the Warriors’ success this season should go to the 19-year old out of Memphis University.

Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr decided to tweak the starting lineup a little bit on Monday. After starting 16 games for the Warriors, James Wiseman was brought off the bench. In order to fix the Warriors’ defense in the opening minutes, Kerr played Kevon Looney as the starting center.

Green went on to make a bold statement: “If he’s coming off the bench or not, he’s one of the most important players on this team”.

Draymond Green on James Wiseman: “If he’s coming off the bench or not, he’s one of the most important players on this team.”

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 26, 2021

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Also Read: ‘LeBron James put the league on notice against Draymond Green’: Steph Curry and Warriors left fuming after DPOY is ejected for shouting at James Wiseman

‘It’s helpful for my development’: James Wiseman embraces the role of being brought on off the bench

For a 19-year old, who got demoted from being a starter to a bench player, Wiseman reacted very maturely. Wiseman stated that the move would help him to watch, read and analyse the game early. He would see how Looney played and would try and implement that on the court.

Against the Timberwolves, coming off the bench, Wiseman put up 13 points and 4 rebounds in only 16 minutes of game time. His performance helped Warriors defeat the Timberwolves 130-108. This could potentially help Wiseman be the center of attention for the second unit. It would help Wiseman refine and solidify his role as a starter which would increase his productivity.

James Wiseman on sliding to a bench role: “It’s helpful for my development.” Said it allows him to watch/read the game early, see how Looney is playing and then try to implement it.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 26, 2021

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Also Read: “James Wiseman gets too hard on himself”: Warriors star Draymond Green advises rookie sensation to have a short memory for failure