In the Golden State Warriors' win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, James Wiseman unleashed his inner Giannis Antetokounmpo by coming up with a block then taking it all the way for the slam on the other end. Warriors coach Steve Kerr was impressed by the play, noting he did see some bits of the Greek Freak in Wiseman.
The 19-year-old rookie showcased his skills on both ends of the floor, getting the Warriors bench absolutely pumped up.
Steve Kerr: "His Giannis play was pretty impressive in transition." https://t.co/oL3IqaGNUF
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 30, 2020
Wiseman, the second overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, finished six points and six rebounds in the Warriors' 116-106 win. This brings his averages to 12.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first four games. Kerr initially downplayed heady expectations on Wiseman since he has to catch up on lots of things.
But ahead of their game against the Pistons, Kerr praised the former Memphis standout for his willingness to learn. He told Cody Taylor of USA Today that Wiseman understands that it takes time to settle in the NBA.
“It’s all overwhelming and he is handling it beautifully. He is such a willing learner. He doesn’t take coaching personally. He absorbs it. He accepts it because he understands it’s all part of the process. There is just so much going on in an NBA game at one time and that’s why it takes guys time to really blossom. He is already showing what he can do. This season in a lot of ways is really about understanding what’s happening on the floor and absorbing (them).”
James Wiseman has quickly earned the starting spot with the Warriors and he'll be a key cog in their hopes of a bounce-back campaign after their dismal 15-win total last season.
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