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Golden State Warriors: With Wiggins, Dubs should target James Wiseman

By Nathan Beighle

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers walks up court during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks between the Oregon Ducks and Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers walks up court during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks between the Oregon Ducks and Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors traded D’Angelo Russell and brought back Andrew Wiggins, shaking up not only their current roster but also their future needs.

There’s no denying the Golden State Warriors made the blockbuster trade of the year by dealing D’Angelo Russell.

The Russell-for-Wiggins deal that included Golden State securing a top-three protected first-round pick in 2021 will have an impact on the 2020 NBA Draft. It will potentially clarify who the Warriors should target.

The Warriors, prior to securing Wiggins, could have gone several different ways in the coming draft.

If they were without the former Timberwolves forward, they could have opted to draft Anthony Edwards, a forward that could match up with players like LeBron James or Kevin Durant. James Wiseman would also be an option, needing help in the frontcourt.

The West’s worst team and one of the worst in the league, the Warriors should have at least a top-three pick. With LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards as the top prospects, Wiseman, who was dominant in his short stint with Memphis, may fly under the radar.

He would be the perfect fit for Golden State, who could benefit from a defensive-minded, rim-rolling big man.

The Warriors haven’t had a player like Wiseman since Andrew Bogut. Even then, the only comparable trait is their ability to protect the rim. There’s no denying Wiseman’s potential superstardom is far greater than Bogut’s was.

Wiseman averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game on 77% from the field during his time with Memphis. That time was a whole three games before he seemingly was sick and tired of the NCAA’s influence and opted to just train for the draft instead.

That said, a lineup of Wiseman, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green sounds lethal. They have shooting, chemistry, athleticism, rim protection and much more. It could easily make up the best five-man lineup in the association.

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Wiseman, now that the Warriors 2020-2021 starting lineup is rounding out, is easily the pick that will make the most sense for Golden State.

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