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Golden State Warriors: Why James Wiseman can be an X-Factor

By Leandro Carranza

SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a free throw during the NBA Japan Games between the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a free throw during the NBA Japan Games between the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
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Even though the preseason turned out to be much more dramatic than expected, the Golden State Warriors have found some good news when it comes to strictly basketball. The best of all? James Wiseman’s game.

There is no question about it: the defending NBA champions are one of the strongest contenders for the 2022/23 season because they have a brilliant core. The Big Six: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney.

However, it is possible that the x-factor for the franchise this year will emerge outside of that group of players. That the one responsible for filling that kind of role could be a guy who played zero minutes last campaign: James Wiseman, the biggest absentee in recent months.

James Wiseman’s preseason has been the best news of the month for the Golden State Warriors as they prepare for the 2022-23 NBA season.

The third-year center has averaged 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds during four preseason games. But its potential impact goes beyond analytics: he may be the reason why, for the first time in the Steve Kerr era, the Warriors have a true interior threat in their second unit. Also a different one.

Contrary to what has happened to all the big men which took place in the dynasty, Wiseman’s attributes will allow the coaching staff to use him as a finisher and not just another cog in the passing game. We have already seen his chemistry with Jordan Poole and Donte DiVincenzo in pick-and-roll situations, an option that has also exploded alongside Stephen Curry during the 2020/21 season.

Having the opportunity to combine the two most decisive offensive figures in the second unit is a blessing for Kerr.

Wiseman’s development as a screener makes work easier, but the former 2020 NBA Draft 2nd pick offers much more: he can post up, cut for layups, punish from midrange and also from the three-point range. His shot card is more diverse than any center in Golden State’s recent history. If he can hold his field goal percentage anywhere near the 63.6% he achieved in the preseason… league’s bench defenses are in trouble.

One thing at a time

His defensive impact is the big question. Wiseman has all the physical qualities to be valuable, but it would be wise to wait a few months to see how committed he is to that task. On the other hand, the contribution on offense is already more and more visible. The Warriors will enjoy another explosive, dominant youngster coming out behind arguably the NBA’s best starting five.

A championship-level team needs versatility. Variants. Number 33 is the key to exploring a whole world of possibilities. And that, in a league where reinventing yourself is mandatory to stay at the top, is crucial.

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