Golden State Warriors: How Ayton’s success is inspiring James Wiseman

James Wiseman didn’t quite shock the world like the Golden State Warriors had hoped he would. An uninspiring rookie season has the young center looking to next year as another opportunity to prove he was worth the No. 2 overall pick.

Similarly, Deandre Ayton entered the season with lofty expectations. It’s not easy being the guy drafted before both Trae Young AND Luka Doncic. But, the Pheonix Suns are hardly upset they missed out on those two superstars considering how valuable Ayton has become this postseason.

The Suns have to be the most inspiring story in the NBA this year. At least, on the Western Conference side of things, as Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks have been cooking up their own story as well… though Milwaukee seems ready to stomp out their flame any second.

Nevertheless, Phoenix is one game away from reaching the finals for the first time since 1993. Though the Suns are led by a dynamic backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul, Ayton has been the unsung difference-maker for them all year long.

Deandre Ayton is mastering the tiny details and James Wiseman should look to do the same next season with the Golden State Warriors.

Ayton is doing all of the little things to perfection. Need a rebound? How about 22 in Game 4 against LA. Is the game slowing down and you need an easy bucket in the paint? Toss it up to Ayton, who is converting 70 percent of his attempts this postseason. Yes, 70 percent. If you’re wondering Ayton would finish with the highest field goal percentage in NBA Playoff history if he remains this efficient.

Oh, and did I mention he’s blocking close to two shots per game in the Western Conference Finals? As the stakes get higher, Ayton plays even better. He’s setting hard screens, rolling to the rim and cleaning up the offensive glass each and every night. His presence as the Suns’ defensive anchor gives them the luxury of switching everything on the perimeter and funneling their opponents into the teeth of Ayton’s 7’6″ wingspan.

If this all sounds like stuff Wiseman could be doing for the Warriors, it’s because it is. Wiseman has a similar build, standing one inch taller than Ayton and sporting the same lanky wingspan. He is arguably more athletic than Ayton and holds a higher potential to space the floor (Wiseman already has a higher 3-point total than Ayton in just 39 games).

So, what’s holding Wiseman back from reaching Ayton’s level. In all honesty, nothing outside of some experience. There is no reason to assume Wiseman can’t blossom into this level of a contributor with some time in the gym. Acting as an even more versatile version of Ayton, Wiseman can help the Warriors become championship contenders again.

For this reason, the Dubs should avoid giving up on Wiseman just yet — as it is clear how important it still is to have a towering center in the NBA.