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Golden State Warriors to see “dear friend” and champion in Detroit on Monday

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles around a screen set by James Wiseman #33 against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 27, 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 - DECEMBER 27: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles around a screen set by James Wiseman #33 against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 27, 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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The Golden State Warriors will travel to Detroit to face the Pistons on Monday, signifying their first matchup against former number two overall pick James Wiseman.

After nearly three injury-plagued and inconsistent years with the franchise, Wiseman was traded to the Pistons in February in a four-team deal that returned Gary Payton II to the Warriors.

Golden State Warriors veterans Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson wish nothing but the best for James Wiseman as they prepare to battle on Monday.

Wiseman will go down as a championship-player for Golden State, even if the remainder of his time was rather forgetful. Dogged by knee issues during his tenure, the seven-footer managed just 60 games across his time with the Warriors.

He built a significant relationship with veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson, with the pair both going through rehab together. The five-time All-Star labelled Wiseman a “dear friend” and looks forward to seeing the 22-year-old on Monday.

"“It will be great to see James. Me and James spent many, many days and weeks together rehabbing. I’m just excited to see him, especially just as a friend. I think about him often, I hope he’s doing well,” Thompson said after Sunday’s loss in Cleveland."

Whether the Warriors actually play against Wiseman is a different story, with the big man currently out of Monty Williams’ rotation behind Jalen Duren, Isiah Stewart and Marvin Bagley III.

Wiseman has played in just one of the Pistons seven games, leaving him as a DNP coaches’ decision in the other six. With Duren out of the lineup against the Portland Trail Blazers last Wednesday, Wiseman finished with an underwhelming four points, two rebounds, one assist, one turnover and four fouls in six minutes of action.

Although Wiseman’s career may appear at the crossroads, Golden State superstar Stephen Curry remains confident that his former teammate will still figure it out in time.

"“Knowing him and when I’ve talked to him, I know he’ll have extreme confidence in himself to figure it out, even if it’s not on the timeline that he wants right now,” Curry said."

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The Warriors are 5-2 after their loss to the Cavaliers on Sunday, while the Pistons fell to 2-5 after a 120-106 loss to Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns.

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