Indiana Pacers center and former second overall draft pick James Wiseman is hopeful that Indiana goes better than his previous two stops. The Pacers already played their first two preseason games, and Wiseman contributed significantly in both. He spoke with reporters following his debut about what he brings to the roster and what he expects out of himself this year.
James Wiseman Working To Keep Career Alive
Former Warriors Draft Pick Has a Third Shot in Indiana
The Golden State Warriors drafted Wiseman out of Memphis as the second overall NBA draft pick four years ago. However, where he is today was certainly not in the minds of the Warriors’ front office at the time, nor Wiseman’s. His brief three-game stint in college was impressive, yet some rocky circumstances followed him. Projected to go first overall in the 2020 NBA draft, the five-star high school recruit instead went to Golden State at second overall. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards in front of him at No. 1.
What the Warriors saw in Wiseman enough to draft him with the second pick was far from what became of him during his two seasons there. Eventually, Wiseman moved on from Golden State and tried again in Detroit. That brings us to today, the 2024-25 NBA season. Wiseman has again shifted directions and is now a member of the Pacers. A new team also means he’ll play alongside fellow draft class member Tyrese Haliburton.
There is a possibility that this opportunity in Indiana could be his last legitimate shot at a productive NBA career. Not only his lack of production, statistically speaking, has set back Wiseman’s career thus far, but injuries as well. Last season, his second and final with the Pistons, Wiseman played a career-high 63 games. In the prior three seasons, he played 24, 21, and 39 games in his rookie year. It has not gone as planned for Wiseman, suffice to say. However, if even a tiny, limited glimpse of positivity can offer hopes of a longer lease on life for his NBA future, his preseason thus far is doing that.
Wiseman Is Looking to Keep His Game Simple
The Pacers signed Wiseman to a two-year deal this summer. His first year will become fully guaranteed if he remains on the team through January 10, and the second year is a club option. He debuted for Indiana against the Atlanta Hawks in the team’s first preseason game on Tuesday. Wiseman played 16 minutes and scored eight points. On Thursday against the Cavaliers, he followed up with another eight points in 11 minutes. However, his ten rebounds are the impressive stat line. Not bad numbers for Wiseman’s first two games in limited minutes. Following the one-point loss against the Hawks, Wiseman spoke about his own expectations for himself and what he brings to the team.
“… I’m already a big that can run the floor, that’s mobile, so I mean with this fast-paced offense, I’ll be able to fit in real well. But just being able to do the small detail things, being able up to touch, talking on defence and bring my personality to the game. In terms of myself, just being up to touch and just helping out the guys,” he said, are all things he wants to prioritize. “Just being able to keep it simple and just keep playing good basketball.”
Wiseman appears to be in the right headspace with an equal perspective. He is possibly fighting to keep his NBA career alive after all. Suppose he can maintain his production thus far in his first two preseason outings. In that case, James Wiseman may find his footing as a Pacer this season.
