It figures to be an up-and-down year for the retooling Golden State Warriors, but rookie center James Wiseman provides reason for excitement.
The 19-year-old has impressed in the early going, averaging 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. In Tuesday night’s 116-106 Warriors win over the Detroit Pistons, Wiseman only scored six points, but he showed off his all-around skills and finished with a game-high plus/minus of +23 in 22 minutes. And one sequence in the game put Wiseman’s two-way talents on full display.
With just over six minutes remaining in the four quarter and the Warriors leading by four points, Wiseman made a block on defense, then went through the Pistons defense by himself before finishing with a jam at the other end. This is an incredible play for anybody, and especially for a teenaged seven-footer in his fourth NBA game (and after he played just three games in college at Memphis).
WISEMAN WITH THE BLOCK AND SLAM 😤 pic.twitter.com/6ZSoxAHBJX
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 30, 2020
Wiseman block.
Wiseman euro.
Wiseman jam!@warriors x #NBARooks pic.twitter.com/nYOWHQmWAC— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2020
Wiseman has shown off guard-esque skills over these four games with his playmaking and shooting. He’s even made five-of-eight three-point attempts.
It's been a rough night for the Warriors, but James Wiseman is providing reason for big-picture optimism.
The rookie seven-footer has 17 points and just nailed a pick-and-pop three. pic.twitter.com/OqoEqujtRn
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 23, 2020
So, you can see why the Warriors selected Wiseman with the second overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. He’s a special talent that should get better and better as the season goes on.
