3. James Wiseman
James Wiseman had an unceremonious finish to his disappointing Warrior tenure, departing the franchise at February’s trade deadline as Golden State welcomed back fan-favorite Gary Payton II in a four-team deal.
As valuable as Payton is, it was little return for a player the Warriors had taken second overall in the draft less than three years earlier. Wiseman was plagued by injury issues in his time with Golden State, ultimately falling victim for his inability to add to the franchise’s wish for short-term success.
Given his sheer size, athleticism and talent, Wiseman remains a what-if for Golden State and still holds the capacity to make them come to regret the decision to let him go. However, his brief stint with the Detroit Pistons following the trade would have hardly had the front office feeling regrettable.
Wiseman got the increased playing time he was never going to get in the Bay, putting up better numbers as a result yet still with the same issues that defined his Warrior career. Now he faces a pivotal fourth NBA season where his future may be in jeopardy.
The 22-year-old is extension eligible right now, although it seems unlikely he and the Pistons would come to an agreement. Wiseman will rightfully want to prove himself – will he actually get the opportunity to do that though?
With Isaiah Stewart back in the fold, the Pistons have four genuine big men who all are primarily centers first and foremost. Jalen Duren is the most exciting young prospect and they’ve just committed to a new deal for Stewart, leaving Wiseman and Marvin Bagley III to fight for minutes off the bench.
Will Wiseman finally prove his draft worth and develop into a starting caliber player on a good team? Time is running out for that to become a possibility.