{"id":35956,"date":"2020-12-18T09:30:13","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T14:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=35956"},"modified":"2020-12-17T13:07:29","modified_gmt":"2020-12-17T18:07:29","slug":"dont-sleep-on-james-wiseman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2020\/12\/18\/dont-sleep-on-james-wiseman\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Sleep on James Wiseman"},"content":{"rendered":"

James Wiseman<\/a><\/strong> was the second pick in the 2020 NBA Draft\u00a0<\/a>making him the newest member of the Golden State Warriors<\/a>. Wiseman may be under-the-radar since he only played a few games with the Memphis Tigers due to ridiculous NCAA rules. However, he fell into the most ideal spot of any rookie and is poised for a big year.<\/p>\n

Don’t Sleep on James Wiseman<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Golden State Warriors Outlook<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Warriors were predicted to return to title contention after having the worst record in the NBA last year. However, the loss of Klay Thompson<\/a><\/strong> due to a torn Achilles<\/a> really changed things. Are they as likely to win an NBA Championship right now as they were with Thompson? No. Should they be written off entirely? Also no.<\/p>\n

The Warriors play in the loaded Western Conference which means making the playoffs is a feat in itself. However, they have the greatest shooter of all-time in Stephen Curry<\/a><\/strong> and still have Draymond Green<\/a><\/strong> and Steve Kerr<\/a><\/strong> to assist in their quest. If Curry and Green can stay healthy, they should be a playoff team.<\/p>\n

The addition of Kelly Oubre<\/a><\/strong> will also alleviate some of the issues caused by the loss of Thompson.<\/p>\n

However, the main reason why the Warriors should feel they are still in a position to contend in the West is Wiseman.<\/p>\n

James Wiseman Saves the Day<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wiseman only played three games<\/a> for Memphis but he looked great doing so. He averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in just 23 minutes of action. He is what is known as a unicorn in today’s league. Wiseman is a seven-footer with ridiculous athleticism and guard-like skills.<\/p>\n

So, how exactly does he save the Warriors? Well, for the entirety of the Curry, Thompson, Green run, the Warriors have been in search of a center that matched their style. Andrew Bogut<\/a><\/strong> was that for a bit but he aged out of that role quickly. Wiseman is the center that Bob Myers and Warriors brass would have designed in an NBA2K player creation.<\/p>\n

Wiseman’s athleticism means that he will be able to push the pace and get out and run, putting a ton of pressure on the defense. That is tough for any team to defend. However, when you add the greatest shooter ever running with him, it is impossible to defend.<\/p>\n

Wiseman’s ball-handling and playmaking ability were underrated at Memphis. We did not get to see a ton of what he could do for others because of limited opportunities and a poor offensive system. However, he will do very well with the ball in his hands on this team.<\/p>\n

Wiseman’s defense is what will set him apart. He is a fantastic rim protector. Wiseman averaged three blocks per game at Memphis and did it easily. He has very quick feet and ridiculous length, which makes him a true problem. The Warriors had most of their success when they could switch everything defensively and fly around. They can do that again, with a monster in the paint.<\/p>\n

James Wiseman Predictions<\/h3>\n

Everyone is quick to mention LaMelo Ball<\/strong><\/a> and Anthony Edwards<\/a><\/strong>, along with people like Obi Toppin<\/a><\/strong> as names to watch this year. Wiseman was the most talented player in the draft and he landed in the most ideal situation. He has as good a chance as anyone to win the Rookie of the Year Award, but also enjoy the most team success.<\/p>\n

It is not unrealistic to say Wiseman should easily average a double-double this year, given the proper opportunity. A stat line like 12 points and 10 rebounds per game with a few blocks is very likely. Even if he does not win any individual awards, the point is, the Warriors crushed it in the draft by taking Wiseman. He is a perfect fit for everything they want to do and will help prolong Curry and Green’s primes. Pay attention to him this year.<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>