Warriors Fans Be Patient With James Wiseman

The question everyone is asking and the one thing that can save the Golden State Warriors’ from their lack of size is, will James Wiseman Return?

The rollercoaster of James Wiseman this season has frustrated Golden State Warriors fans. I don’t blame them at all. One week it seems like he’s a couple of games away. Now there are reports saying he may not return at all this season.

No question, the Warriors are in desperate need of some frontcourt reinforcement. LeBron James playing center bullied Golden State inside last Saturday night. Following that, the Joker had his way in Denver. The lack of moves at the deadline made most assume that Wiseman was making good progress. Just recently, Wiseman joined the Santa Cruz G-League where he made his season debut.

Big Men Struggles

This is certainly not the first time a highly picked big man has struggled early in their career. My favorite one to reference regarding this is Deandre Ayton. The former number one pick had a rough start to his career which included some off-the-court issues. He struggled with figuring out his role and the change of pace at the next level. Sounds a lot like James Wiseman, no?

Fast-forward to today and since Chris Paul has joined the Suns, Ayton is one of the better big men in the entire league. Phoenix found a way to simplify his role and he has thrived. So much that Ayton wants to test his market in free agency and is looking for max money.

Another notable big man who struggled early on, especially with injuries is Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid. Please, don’t take this as me saying Wiseman is the next Embiid. But, I recall a time when Joel was receiving a lot of criticism for not being healthy. Embiid insisted on “trust the process”, and fans became irritated. Now, he has himself playing at an MVP level.

Simplify the Role

Part of the issue with Wiseman last year in my opinion was not simplifying his role. Think about the way the Warriors have used Gary Payton this season. Or even JaVale McGee during those championship runs. I don’t think throwing it to Wiseman in the post and asking him to score is what they need right now. They need a big man who can sit in the dunker spot, block shots, rebound hard, and finish at the rim. All three of those Wiseman excels at.

Then the occasional mid-range and spot-up three to keep the defense honest because we know he has the range to do that. I would love to see Wiseman in pick-and-roll action with Steph. The way teams are blitzing the ball screens, Looney is not much of a threat coming down the lane. If Wiseman catches that ball headed down the middle and to the rim, few people can challenge him.

Remain Optimistic

I would like to remain optimistic about Wiseman returning this year. I think he could be pivotal in the playoff run this team is looking to make. Let’s not forget some of the spectacular things he brings to the court.

Wiseman also had struggled early on adapting to the college game. When he found his groove, he started to look like the most dominant player in college basketball and a top 2 pick.

Jordan Poole is Proof

When Jordan Poole struggled in his rookie season, the rumblings began about the ineptitude of the front office with drafting. To be fair, some of the more recent draft picks have not been planned out for the Warriors. Some recent disappointing first round picks have been Jacob Evans and Patrick McCaw. A few strange second round picks have included Alen Smailagić and Nico Mannion.

On the flip side of this, how about the development of Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney. Along with the impressive play of both rookies, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga.

Jordan Poole is the perfect example to look at when you think about the possibility with James Wiseman. A guy who was written off by most fans after a tough rookie season. He put in the work,  stayed the course and it is all paying off right now. Averaging almost 25PPG in his last six games while shooting an absurd 57% from the 3-point line.

For more Warriors-related content follow me on Twitter! Or, check out all our amazing writers at Blue Man Hoop.