Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman will have to earn starting spot

We learned this summer that Kevon Looney isn’t going anywhere. This means James Wiseman will have to earn the starting position with the Golden State Warriors.

Looney provided a Herculean effort last season, almost single-handedly carrying the burden of anchoring the Warriors’ paint defense.

With a brand-new contract signed this summer, Looney is back in the fold and ready to do it all over again.

Golden State has made it clear he will be the starting center when the 2022-23 season kicks off in October.

For Wiseman, this should serve as a challenge.

James Wiseman will have to earn his starting job as the Golden State Warriors remain committed to the proven veteran, Kevon Looney.

The former No. 2 overall pick has spent his first two NBA seasons in the shadows. His potential is still glowing but as of now, it has yet to be realized.

Wiseman averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds as a rookie. In his first Summer League stint, he posted just 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. A sign that Wiseman still has work to do.

He’s a gifted athlete and with his massive seven-foot frame, he has everything the Warriors need in the frontcourt.

With a little bit of development, Wiseman can become a rim-running force with enough 3-point touch to space the floor properly.

Right now, he is far from reaching that ceiling.

That is why Steve Kerr told The Athletic that Looney has more than earned the starting job this season.

And it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Looney has put in the work, drafted by the Warriors in 2015 and steadily rising up the ranks.

Looney averaged 7.3 rebounds last season and was the only member of the team to play all 82 games. His experience paired with his chemistry and ability to set screens for Stephen Curry make Looney nearly irreplaceable for Golden State.

So while Looney continues to shine as an unsung hero, Wiseman should be using this as motivation to one day surpass Looney and become even better.