Warriors’ James Wiseman takes enormous step in road to recovery

Young Golden State Warriors’ big man James Wiseman has taken arguably his biggest step towards a long-awaited return to the floor.

Traveling with the team on Golden State’s current road trip (a significant step in itself), Wiseman participated in his first contact scrimmage for the first time in nearly 10 months. It’s a notable hurdle for the second-year big to overcome.

The Golden State Warriors have been playing with just one true center, and that may change sooner rather than later with James Wiseman’s return nearing.

With the franchise taking a conservative approach ever since he tore his meniscus on April 15 last season, it appears Wiseman is nearing a return to the hardwood.

The delay in Wiseman’s return has been a constant concern for fans, not least because many see the Warriors’ big man depth as the roster’s only major weakness.

The reality is that it’s a frustrating period for everyone involved, particularly Wiseman himself whose on-court opportunities have been interrupted ever since his short-lived college career, playing just 3 games at Memphis.

This development has come at the right time for both player and franchise, with time ticking on the possibility of him making a serious impact on the Warriors’ title hopes this season. The Warriors forced him into the rotation often last season, and it didn’t quite work as planned.

That does remain a realistic expectation though, at least according to two-time MVP Stephen Curry in an interview with ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.

"“I’m excited for him. There are a couple more hurdles to get through to get back on the floor, but he has an amazing opportunity to join us at the right time down the stretch to see what he can provide.”"

While the uncertainty around Wiseman’s rehab means the Warriors haven’t set a specific timeline for his return, at least this news provides a move in the right direction. Wiseman played in 39 games, starting 27 last year. He averaged 11.5 points and 3.1 fouls per game.

Golden State is 41-13 and second in the Western Conference, currently riding a nine-game winning streak in the absence of Wiseman and all-star Draymond Green.