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Wiseman speaks after release from pressure cooker environment at the Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons sits on the court after a 119-117 loss to the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons sits on the court after a 119-117 loss to the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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James Wiseman has now had a decent period to acclimatize to his new home in Detroit, with nearly two months having passed since the former number two overall pick was traded by the Golden State Warriors.

The 22-year-old has now played 20 games at the Pistons, starting in 18 and playing over 25 minutes per night as he seeks to dive into what he can become as a big man in such a cutthroat league.

A patient James Wiseman knows it will take time to develop into the player he wants to be, time he didn’t have at the Golden State Warriors.

In an in-depth interview with ESPN’s Nick Friedell, Wiseman has opened up on what aspects of his game he’s currently focused on. He revealed a large component is his confidence, and remaining patient after an interrupted start to his career.

"“Just don’t get so down on myself if I make mistakes or if I mess up. It’s part of the journey, it’s going to happen, because I haven’t played in such a long time. It’s going to take time with me just believing in myself and knowing that I can do it. Keep working every day, everything will come together eventually”, Wiseman said."

James Wiseman’s time with the Golden State Warriors came to an underwhelming end in February. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
James Wiseman’s time with the Golden State Warriors came to an underwhelming end in February. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Wiseman’s confidence, or lack thereof, was a significant factor in his inability to become a regular contributor for the Warriors earlier this season. It was a two-way street though, the franchise simply didn’t empower the seven-footer to play with conviction. How was he supposed to have confidence in himself, when the coaching staff and older teammates didn’t hold trust in him?

Being at a championship contender brings a pressure cooker environment that’s difficult to deal with for many, let alone a young player simply trying to make his way in the league. Every single one of Wiseman’s minutes at the Warriors was micro-analyzed to the point it simply wasn’t fair for anyone involved.

Why is Jonathan Kuminga, another recent top ten pick, succeeding right now? Part of it has to be because it’s easier to curb and mould a young player’s over-confidence, than it is to lift someone up from a low base. The same can be said for Jordan Poole who’s self-confidence has taken him from the 28th overall pick to a four-year, $140 million contract.

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The Pistons are 1-19 during Wiseman’s tenure at the franchise. He currently holds the worst net rating (-16.3) of any player in the league to have played at least 25 games and average over 12 minutes. Unlike Golden State, Detroit are in a position to allow that to continue over a sustained period, and the hope for them is that the investment results in a quality big man for the future.

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