Former Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman landed another unexpected opportunity on Wednesday, signing a training camp contract with the NBA champion New York Knicks.
While it’s not yet totally clear the Knicks’ motivation behind signing Wiseman and setting him up for a training camp battle, there’s little doubt his addition would’ve been aided by connection to former Warrior assistant coach Mike Brown.
Mike Brown connection may have helped James Wiseman land with Knicks
Brown was Steve Kerr's key assistant for six years and three titles, including Wiseman’s first two seasons in the league after Golden State selected him with the second overall pick at the 2020 NBA draft.
Brown exited for the top role at the Sacramento Kings following the last title in 2022, and Wiseman didn’t last much longer at Golden State as he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in a multi-team deal just prior to the 2023 mid-season deadline.
Brown and Wiseman now reunite years later in The Big Apple, at least for a brief period in training camp and preseason where the 6'11" center will vie for a main roster spot on the Knicks alongside other recent acquisitions in John Konchar, Bruce Brown, Ochai Ajbaji and Drew Eubanks.
It comes after Brown nearly reunited with long-time Golden State center Kevon Looney, with the Knicks having shown interest in the three-time NBA champion before he instead chose to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reeves and company at the Los Angeles Lakers.
Knicks could represent James Wiseman’s last opportunity
Having appeared destined for a move overseas to continue his professional career, the Knicks may represent Wiseman's last opportunity in the NBA after just five games in the last two seasons which included a torn achilles injury at the Indiana Pacers.
The 25-year-old's best season arguably remains his rookie year with Golden State where he showed hints of star potential, averaging 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and nearly a block in 21.4 minutes per game.
Can the Knicks reignite Wiseman's dwindling career? On one hand, their defensive versatility and offensive star might make things easier for him, yet the pressure of being the reigning champions in a major city might also be difficult for the former Memphis product to acclimatize to.
There will at least be one familair face for Wiseman as he joins the Knicks, potentially giving him an edge before training camp and preseason form dictates how the franchise will round out their roster.
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