He has finally returned. After a long year spent rehabbing his injury, Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman has returned to action. The third-year player played in his first game back during the team's preseason outing in Japan. It's a great sign for the Dubs, who have been looking forward to seeing Wiseman return.

After his first preseason game, James Wiseman reminded Warriors fans about just how bizarre his entire basketball career has been. According to the center, this is just the first NBA game he's played in front of a crowd. Not even a packed crowd; a crowd. (via Kerith Burke)

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
image thumbnail
Golden State Warriors 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickEnzo Flojo ·
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (21) reacts after making a three point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first quarter at the Chase Center.
Warriors exercise team option on 40.8% 3-point breakout starJaren Kawada ·
LeBron James with the logos of every NBA team in the background.
Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul’s bombshell Lakers quotesBailey Bassett ·
warriors, warriors free agency, brook lopez, golden state warriors
1 sneaky good player golden state warriors must sign in 2025 NBA free agencyGarrett Kerman ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Pacers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA rumors: Ty Jerome garnering interest from Warriors, according to Zach LoweZachary Weinberger ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones (2) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Warriors linked to Herb Jones, Nickeil Alexander-WalkerTroy Finnegan ·

Wiseman missed most of his college career due to a suspension levied at him by the NCAA after allegations of getting paid by the University of Memphis. Instead of waiting out his suspension, Wiseman decided to declare for the NBA draft. He was eventually selected second overall in the draft.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wiseman did not have the typical NBA rookie experience. He did not play in any Summer League games, and most of his rookie year was spent playing in closed arenas. The Warriors' Japan Games marked the first time James Wiseman played in front of a live audience in his NBA.

The Warriors are hoping that Wiseman quickly gets acclimated to the rigors of playing in front of a crowd. The team is looking at the center as a potential franchise cornerstone, one that can help Stephen Curry and co. win now and in the future. Can Wiseman live up to his sky-high potential?