The Golden State Warriors are steadily narrowing down their NBA Draft options. It seems James Wiseman is no longer a target.
No one is sure when, but at some point in the future, the 2020 NBA Draft will take place. At this time, the Golden State Warriors will have to buckle down and choose a prospect they feel confident in. Thus far, it seems James Wiseman is not a legitimate target for the Dubs.
As we learn more and more about the team’s goals for the offseason from Connor Letourneau from The San Francisco Chronicle, it is becoming clear the franchise is looking to add quality and proven talent that can help them compete immediately. As a result, the Dubs seem to have little interest in either Wiseman or LaMelo Ball.
Before the season began, Wiseman was at the top of most big boards. He was a dominant shot-blocker who could change the entire outlook of a game with his defensive presence. Seeing as how athletic centers usually garner quite a bit of attention from scouts each year, it’s easy to see why Wiseman was a top prospect heading into his Freshman season for Memphis.
However, his stock began to take a hit when a scandal held him back from appearing in more than three games last season. Wiseman looked solid in these appearances but eventually elected to skip his NCAA career and prepare privately for the NBA Draft.
This is a major red flag for the team’s considering Wiseman in the draft. The big man had a very unpolished offensive game and needed to learn more about protecting the rim against better opponents. His short time in the NCAA didn’t help this.
According to Letourneau, the Warriors would only choose to select Wiseman if it meant they were trading down in the draft and were picking him for another team. So, don’t expect to see Wiseman playing in a Warriors jersey next season.