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“James Wiseman should follow Deandre Ayton”: Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is in awe of the Suns big man, believes Wiseman should look up to him

Arjun Julka
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"James Wiseman should follow Deandre Ayton": Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is in awe of the Suns big man, believes Wiseman should look up to him

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believes James Wiseman should develop himself along the same lines as Deandre Ayton as a player.

Since the 2019 NBA Finals, the Warriors have been struggling to get back to their winning ways. One of the major reasons for the Bay area team failing to perform is injuries to its top players and the lack of size on the roster.

The Warriors’ 2019-20 season was probably the worst in franchise history. The team had a mere 15-wins, with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson out for the season due to injury and Kevin Durant joining the Brooklyn Nets.

However, the Warriors fans had something to cheer about going into the 2020-21 season as they had the 2nd pick in the NBA Draft, followed by Stephen Curry making a return after a year’s hiatus.

GSW selected James Wiseman as the 2nd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The close to 7-foot center was the perfect fit for the Bay area team, giving them the size they required.

Wiseman seemed quite agile for his height and could run both ends of the floor. The rookie made quite an impressive start to the season and was at one time even in the conversation for the rookie of the year.

Unfortunately, the big man’s season was cut short due to a meniscus injury he sustained in April in a game against the Rockets, which had him miss the remainder of the season.

Also read: “James Wiseman don’t know a damn thing… I’m teaching him the ropes”: Klay Thompson takes out the Warriors’ rookie on his boat

Wiseman had a rough season in terms of health. However, the team has a lot of faith in the 20-year olds talent. Coach Kerr, who has played 15-years in the NBA and won five championships believes, Wiseman has the ability to be an efficient player such as the likes of Deandre Ayton.

Steve Kerr believes James Wiseman has the potential to be on the level of Deandre Ayton

The Phoenix Suns achieved major success this year, making it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. The Suns defeated the defending champions LA Lakers in the first round of the playoffs and swept the Nuggets in the semi-finals.

It would not be wrong to say Deandre Ayton has been one of the major factors in the Suns’ success this year. The 22-year old has been sensational in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Ayton has averaged 15.8 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 1.o BPG on an incredible 68.1% shooting from the field so far in the Playoffs.

The Suns’ center has beaten the likes of Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard when it comes to efficiency.

Also read: “I talk to Kevin Durant every day”: James Wiseman reveals how the Nets star with Kyrie Irving is guiding him on his Warriors journey

Former coach of the year Steve Kerr feels Wiseman can play a similar role for the Warriors, on the lines of what Ayton plays for the Suns.

Wiseman averaged 11.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 0.9 BPG in 39 games he played in the 2020-21 season. The Warriors center shot an efficient 51.9% from the field in only his first year in the NBA.

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka

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Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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