Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Former Golden State Warriors’ center James Wiseman makes first start for Detroit Pistons

By Peter O'Keefe

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 15: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons defends Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at the TD Garden on February 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 15: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons defends Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at the TD Garden on February 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Golden State Warriors’ center James Wiseman has made his first start for his new team, playing just over 20 minutes in the Detroit Pistons’ 95-91 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

Ironically, Wiseman went head-to-head against Jakob Poeltl, with the two having been associated in trade speculation earlier this season. The Austrian was long seen as a potential target for the Warriors before he was traded back to the Toronto Raptors, while Wiseman eventually made his way to Detroit in a four-team deal that saw Golden State re-acquire Gary Payton II.

Commentary surrounding James Wiseman continues to be polarizing since his departure from the Golden State Warriors earlier this month.

Wiseman is seeing greater opportunities with the Pistons as expected, with the results panning out fairly predictably based on what we saw towards the end of his Warrior career. The defense is showing signs of improvement, though that was evident in limited minutes with Golden State after a ten-game G League experience.

The foul troubles haven’t magically corrected themselves however, with the 21-year-old fouling against the Raptors with just under seven minutes left in the fourth-quarter. Wiseman was visibly frustrated after the sixth one, earning a rare technical foul as a result. He did manage to rack up ten points and ten rebounds before leaving the floor, his first double-double as a member of the Pistons and fourth overall for his career.

Wiseman had 11 points and five rebounds in his Piston debut against the Boston Celtics on February 15, before having eight points and ten rebounds against the Orlando Magic on Thursday. While the natural talent that made him a number two overall pick continues to emerge, the mistakes that caused the Warriors to trade him remain evident.

dark. Next. Steve Kerr compares Moses Moody to veteran Golden State Warriors teammate

That was the entire premise of the trade in the first place — moving Wiseman to a rebuilding team that can afford his mistakes and allow him to play through them. It’s far too early to tell whether Golden State will come to regret their decision, but either way it will be an intriguing aspect to watch over the coming years.

Home/Warriors News