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The Warriors shouldn’t be blamed for going Wiseman over Ball

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a slam dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 20, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a slam dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 20, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors did what they needed to do in the 2020 NBA Draft, and they shouldn’t be faulted for drafting James Wiseman over LaMelo Ball.

After almost half the season, the Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball seems to be the most likely candidate to take home Rookie of the Year. However, Warriors’ center James Wiseman is certainly still in the running.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets, and Golden State Warriors go back to the virtual draft held on November 18, there’s a chance that the three teams would’ve done nothing differently.

The Wolves went with Anthony Edwards first overall, the Warriors snagged Wiseman at No. 2 and then Hornets took Ball at No. 3. As for the Warriors, they shouldn’t be blamed for selecting Wiseman over Ball as to this day Wiseman still makes more sense for the team.

The Warriors didn’t have much cap space as they entered last offseason which also should be ntoed.

With Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry all on max-value deals, it was a tough free agency for the team in terms of having the ability to sign other talented free agents.

Now, they did bring in Kent Bazemore and Kelly Oubre Jr. to help raise the team’s level of talent. With their backcourt loaded with up-and-coming shooters like Jordan Poole, Damion Lee, and Mychal Mulder, it only made sense for the team to add Wiseman.

Wiseman entered the season as the team’s only true center.

While Ball has been terrific for Charlotte, Wiseman, who has been sidelined recently, also has had a tremendous rookie season. He’s averaging 12.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He’s shooting over 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from deep.

Wiseman has had troubles with his defensive rotations at times and hasn’t figured out to thrive defensively without fouling, but those days will come as the young star gains experience at the highest level.

That said, prior to the draft, everyone knew Ball’s potential, but he didn’t quite show enough in the NBL to justify the Warriors taking him over a talent like Wiseman at a position that the Dubs actually needed depth at.

It seems both the Wolves and Warriors have been being lit up lately for not taking Ball.

The youngest of the uber-popular Ball brothers, LaMelo is averaging 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. The 19-year-old has been phenomenal. He is the most likely Rookie of the Year candidate.

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Wiseman, had he not gotten hurt, may have had some say as he’s been playing well and playing efficiently so far this season.

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