Golden State Warriors rookie James Wiseman was recently punished by Steve Kerr for missing a COVID-19 test during the All-Star break. As a result, the youngster was benched for three whole quarters during Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

However, according to Kerr himself, there was a possibility that Wiseman would not play at all against the Clippers. Luckily for the 19-year-old big man, the game was out of reach for the Warriors, so he had the chance to see action.

“Quite possibly,” Steve Kerr replied when asked if he would've sat James Wiseman for the whole game had it not been a blowout (via Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle). “That was a decision that was going to be made on the fly.”

For what it's worth, Kerr's decision is understandable, especially since Wiseman needed to learn and experience the consequences of his action. Besides, with the league imposing stricter COVID-19 measures and coaches speaking mightily in following those, it is only expected for the Warriors tactician to set an example why such behavior won't be tolerated.

After the game where Wiseman played for only 12 minutes and recorded 14 points and seven rebounds, Kerr issued a challenge to the youngster while noting that the punishment is part of his development as an NBA player.

“You have to prove it in this league. If you want to be Steph or Draymond, you have to do what they did,” the Warriors coach shared. “And guess what? Both those guys were benched their rookie year. Both those guys had to fight. Even the superstar players have to earn their way in this league.”

Hopefully Wiseman learned his lesson. The Warriors certainly need him in every game, but letting him grow as a professional is also beneficial for the team as they look to their future after the era of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.