Three names headlined the 2020 NBA draft. The first overall pick in the draft was Anthony Edwards, followed by James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball. Most knew Edwards would be the No. 1 pick, but the biggest question draft night was who the Golden State Warriors would choose with the second pick.
They decided to go with Wiseman over the talented guard Ball. Now the question is, did they get it right?
Looking at how Wiseman and Ball's rookie season went, you could suggest the Dubs got it wrong. Ball was the NBA's Rookie of the Year, and Wiseman's season was cut short because of a meniscus injury. Before getting hurt, James Wiseman averaged 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks. While his counters, Ball posted numbers of 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
Picking Ball over Wiseman would have been the right choice for now. The biggest reason why is because Ball's been available. It doesn't mean it will always be the correct pick. The fact that Wiseman hasn't been able to play because of his injury means Ball had a head start on him. That's a negative mark on Wiseman's resume that can turn into a minor blemish if he later excels for the Warriors.
Article Continues BelowBall would have been a great fill-in for injured Klay Thompson on paper. His passing ability might have made him fit in perfectly with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. Or it could have stunted his growth because the Warriors have Curry and Green. He would be in more catch-and-shoot situations, which isn't his game.
In their rookie season, Ball struggled at times with his shot, so to be in a position where you have to play off-ball probably wouldn't be ideal for him. If he struggled, everyone would say they should have taken Wiseman.
When you look at the NBA and how it's played nowadays, it's a guard-heavy league. Every draft class has dynamic perimeter players who have the potential to be the face of a franchise. How often do you get a guy who is 7 feet that fits that description? James Wiseman is that player, and although his career didn't start the way he and fans hoped, he still might be the right pick between the two for the Warriors.
Ball is off to a great start in his second season in the NBA, and Wiseman should be making his debut soon. That will start the second year of comparing these two in a debate that will last their entire career.