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3 Golden State Warriors who can thrive in Stephen Curry’s absence

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jordan Poole #3 after Wiseman scored against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jordan Poole #3 after Wiseman scored against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and James Wiseman against the Los Angeles Lakers in October. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and James Wiseman against the Los Angeles Lakers in October. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

Three Golden State Warriors who can thrive in Stephen Curry’s absence —  James Wiseman

What does Stephen Curry have to do with the role of James Wiseman? One is the franchise superstar who’s a point-guard, the other a fledgling, albeit extremely talented center. Well, the connection goes far beyond what one may think.

Firstly and most evidently, Curry’s absence could lead to a more youth-first approach from Kerr. Of Golden State’s 11 fully contracted players that are currently available, five are in their first, second or third season’s — doesn’t leave much choice for Kerr but to give increased minutes to his youngsters. That starts with Wiseman who’s the most experienced of the trio in terms of years in the system — though his entire second season was wiped out through injury.

The more subtle but more important aspect is how the Warriors adjust their style without Curry on the floor. The criticism of Wiseman, and ultimately why he was sent to the G League, is because he doesn’t play the Golden State way — a system predicated on a High IQ that allows for efficient ball and player movement. That starts and ends with Curry as the fulcrum of the offense.

Can Kerr adjust the playstyle slightly to bring Wiseman more into the fold — perhaps utilizing his length and athleticism in a more traditional way. Does the 21-year-old even fit into Kerr’s plans regardless of Curry’s status? He probably does — having an experienced veteran like JaMychal Green is important next to the Warriors’ superstar, and that’s now no longer an issue with Curry out. It’s not as if Green is setting the world on fire anyway, so Wiseman could foreseeably jump him in the queue.

Wiseman deserves the opportunity anyway. Okay, maybe it’s a bit sooner than the franchise may have hoped, but the former number two overall pick has finally shown he’s too good for the G League level in recent times.

The 7’1″ big man has recorded at least 24 points and double-digit rebounds in four of his five games during December, culminating with a season-high 31-point display against the South Bay Lakers on Wednesday. Wiseman will have a stretch here to prove that the G League experience has been a success.

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