Golden State Warriors: Analyzing James Wiseman’s long-term fit

I understand why Golden State Warriors fans are frustrated that instead of witnessing LaMelo Ball fling behind the back passes in a run-and-gun system next to Stephen Curry, they are watching as James Wiseman struggles to crack more than 20 minutes a game as he’s reserved to a bench role.

It’s not easy to remain patient with young players. It’s especially harder when the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year happens to fit the Warriors’ biggest need right now (a second ball-handler) and the guy you drafted over him is playing just the 14th most minutes of any rookie.

Yet, I urge you to remember that Wiseman still has the highest ceiling of the players in his class. That is, from the Warriors’ standpoint, at least.

It’s all about the end game for James Wiseman. The Golden State Warriors need to focus on preparing him for long-term success.

Ball may be leading the ROTY race in Charlotte – and perhaps he’d have done the same in Golden State, but his long-term fit here would have been much different. The return of Klay Thompson would crowd the backcourt and Ball’s lack of defense might have been a deal-breaker.

In contrast, Wiseman’s strengths will only be further complemented by the spacing Thompson will provide. As a seven-footer with great mobility and athleticism, Wiseman has an easy path to success with the Dubs.

He’s already a much better shooter than we could have expected at this stage of his career. He isn’t shooting a high volume but he’s drilled 11-of-30 (36.7 percent) of his 3-point attempts and his clean release has drawn comparisons to Chris Bosh and David Robinson.

More importantly, his agility is comparable to some of the best bigs in league history. It’s rare to find a towering center that gracefully runs the floor. Wiseman appears comfortable handling the ball in transition and though he’s unpolished as a finisher, he’s using every inch of his wingspan to finish around (and over) defenders.

Wiseman is averaging 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds on near 60 percent shooting since being moved to the bench. At 19-years-old, we can’t ask for that much more from a guy who only played three games in college.

Opponents have already found trouble defending Wiseman when the rest of the team is in motion. The Stephen Curry/Draymond Green pick-and-roll is devastating with Wiseman acting as the finishing blow on the baseline. This will only get better with time.

All of the potential he has on offense is matched with an equally high ceiling on defense. Wiseman can plug the paint and clean the glass with ease due to his size. The only thing he’s missing is experience, which again, will come with time.

Golden State can rest assured they made the right choice in Wiseman. All we have to do now is be patient and let him grow into his role.