The Golden State Warriors picked James Wiseman second in the 2020 NBA draft. With the regular season about to head into its home stretch, head coach Steve Kerr reflected on his rookie's performance so far this season and his transition into the NBA from Memphis, via Nick Friedell of ESPN:
“There are moments when he looks like a future superstar and there are moments he looks like a young rookie who is trying to figure things out. So I think that's perfectly natural at this point.”
The 7-footer has averaged 11.8 points a game along with 5.8 rebounds this season with the Warriors. He has not been in the NBA Rookie of the Year conversation, as he has had to compete with rookies LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Immanuel Quickley who all have been putting on shows for their respective teams.
Wiseman did have a big responsibility, however, as he was the guy the Warriors relied on to play the traditional center position.
Rebounds and being a monster presence in the paint were what the Warriors needed due to the injuries that they have sustained this past season and the absence of another true big man that could complement Wiseman's skills.
The Warriors are currently 10th in the Western Conference, as they are fighting for the last seed to earn a spot in the playoffs.
Kerr recognized that there is a lot of room for improvement for Wiseman, and the Warriors will have to work tirelessly to transform him into a feared big man that can compete against centers such as Anthony Davis, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Joel Embiid. It is true that the dynamics of the Dubs are unique (and not in a good or promising way) with Klay Thompson being on the shelf with an injury, but it remains that Wiseman has to fight through challenges in order for this team to reach anything close to its full potential.
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