It’s a big month for the Warriors and …. James Wiseman?

Golden State Warriors‘ big man James Wiseman hasn’t and won’t play in an NBA game this season. While his teammates battle towards what they hope is an NBA championship, the former No. 2 overall pick sits frustrated on the sidelines, as he has done for much of his two-year career to date.

To suggest this is an important period for his personal development may sound a little strange, yet it’s important to recognize how the coming weeks may significantly alter the way Wiseman is viewed by fans and the media.

Already facing scrutiny and pressure as the No. 2 pick in 2020, the perspective on James Wiseman will vary depending on the Warriors’ playoff success.

The Warriors have made their way through the postseason successfully to this point, now sitting with a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

If they were to go on and win the title, a championship would offer incredibly valuable time for Wiseman to firstly recover from his troublesome knee injury, then develop and begin to fulfill the talent he possesses.

However, if the Warriors were to fall short, whether against the Mavericks or in the NBA Finals, external noise may begin to heap pressure on Wiseman’s development. Would fans and the media all of a sudden view Wiseman as an integral piece to push the Warriors over the top, especially with the core three another year older?

Of course, Wiseman and the Warriors will be likely undeterred by any external pressure, but still, they’ll understand the correlation between Wiseman’s development and a potential future championship.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers recently compared Wiseman’s injury troubles with that of superstar Stephen Curry, confident that like Curry, he’ll turn it around.

"“He’ll overcome it. It’s different than Curry’s ankle [injuries], but I remember when Curry was going through the frustrating ankle rehab and stopping and starting. It’s very frustrating for a young player."

It appears Golden State is continuing to take a very conservative, patient approach with their prized asset, with Wiseman recently alluding to his long-term outlook despite the short-term frustration.

"“But just keeping an even-keeled head, just making sure I reassure myself that I’m young, I’m 21, I’ve got a long career ahead of myself. It’s really just taking it one day at a time and keep working.”"

Even regardless of the Warriors’ final postseason result, Wiseman’s recovery and development will be perhaps the biggest storyline within the franchise over the next 12 months.