Τhe Golden State Warriors have assigned Ryan Rollins and James Wiseman to their G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, with the pair joining Patrick Baldwin Jr. and draft-and-stash player Gui Santos.
Wiseman’s lousy luck has defined his time in the NBA. He began with just three games in his college career due to NCAA ruling, then lost his first training camp due to the pandemic. Lastly and most notably, a lengthy rehab for a meniscus tear of his right knee suffered during his rookie year; all have contributed to his struggles through the first month of this season.
Wiseman will spend an extended time with the Sea Dubs, which Golden States Warriors coach Steve Kerr envisions as at least days or more. Fans aren’t likely see Wiseman in a Warriors uniform over the short-term.
The assignment to Santa Cruz for James Wiseman, the second overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, is the right move to put his Golden State Warriors career back on track.
The Warriors’ coaching staff will remain hopeful that his incredible character and work ethic will provide a path back into Kerr’s second unit rotation. Wiseman will have the opportunity to develop without the unrealistic expectations that have diminished his enjoyment of the game he loves.
What is happening in Santa Cruz should excite those who have supported Wiseman and the sold-out Kaiser Permanente Arena. The opportunity for he and Rollins to develop together is compelling, with the expectation of something special returning to the Warriors set up soon. Rollins has shown why Golden State traded up to acquire him in this year’s draft, scoring 24 and 27 points in his last two games in Santa Cruz.
Patrick Baldwin Jr., the Warriors’ first-round pick in this year’s draft, scored 18 points in his only game due to injury, but will also benefit from time with Wiseman. Gui Santos, a late second-round pick, has impressed fans and the coaching staff with his defense, offensive-rebounding, and dazzling dimes to reward teammates.
The hope is that the trio of Wiseman, Rollins and Baldwin Jr. will return to contribute to Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ quest for a fifth Larry O’Brien Trophy. Plus, in the case of Wiseman, fulfilling the promise and talent the franchise sees in him.