2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman, C, Memphis
Had James Wiseman played his full freshman season, perhaps we’d be having a different conversation right now. At the moment, there are big concerns about Wiseman as he makes the jump to the NBA. While he did impress during his three games before becoming ineligible, I’m not sure if he showed enough.
He averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds in that small sample size but still didn’t prove that he could stretch defenses with a consistent jumper or become a defensive anchor in the middle. On paper, Wiseman appears like a great prospect – he has great size, length, and athleticism. However, in the ever-changing NBA, you can’t draft a big in the top 3 or 5 if he hasn’t shown the ability to stretch defenses.
There’s no explaining it. Taking Wiseman would be a bit of a risk, but the rewards far outweigh any concerns about his game. Plus, pre-draft workouts will likely answer many of those questions.
He’d be a great fit in Golden State if they hold on to this pick and don’t trade it.