James Wiseman should be the pick for the Golden State Warriors
While there is plenty of uncertainty heading into the 2020 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors shouldn’t fall into that category. Equipped with the No. 2 overall pick, the Warriors need not complicate their decision and make the one that makes the most sense for them.
When the Warriors go on the clock with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, assuming he’s still on the board, James Wiseman should be their selection.
Wiseman is a 7-foot-1 athletic center that has promise on both ends of the floor. He’s farther along in his development on the defensive end of the floor, but it’s his potential on the offensive end that makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.
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After only playing three games for Memphis during his freshman season, before being declared ineligible to play, Wiseman did enough to warrant being a top 5 selection in this draft. In those three games for Memphis, Wiseman averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks on 77 percent shooting from the field.
His numbers look even better Per 40 (minutes), averaging 34 points, 19 rebounds, and five blocks. Even though he won’t be expected to put up such numbers, that just shows how impactful he was during his time in college.
Wiseman was a force on both ends of the floor and has the ability to be a game-changing factor in the frontcourt. He’s the exact type of player that the Warriors have been missing in their lineup over the last few seasons (even while they’ve been winning championships).
During their explosive run (which resulted in three championships over the course of the last six seasons), the lack of a difference-making center has been their Achilles heel. While James Wiseman wouldn’t be expected to start or even play a big role right away for the team, he’s the type of prospect that could grow into such a role.
Despite his clear raw measurables and ability, the pick wouldn’t come with its fair share of concerns. After all, if Wiseman didn’t have any, he’d be a clear No. 1 pick.
The book on Wiseman (when it comes to its concerns) revolves around his raw offensive skills, his ability to fit in the modern offensive game as a big, and his consistency in terms of intensity.
There’s no question that he’ll have to show the ability to improve as a consistent offensive player. Simply put, with the way the NBA has evolved, teams can’t get away with playing a one-dimensional center in crunch time anymore.
Wiseman would have to prove that he can stretch defenses with a consistent jump and perhaps would have to prove he can develop a consistent 3-point jump shot (especially on a team like the Warriors).
As it pertains to his intensity, that could come with the environment in which he’s drafted. Should he be taken by the Warriors, I’m not sure if that would be much of a problem since there will be immediate championship expectations attached to the team.
Learning and playing beside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green (and being coached by Steve Kerr) wouldn’t hurt either.
James Wiseman should be at the top of the draft board for the Golden State Warriors and should be their pick at No. 2 if he isn’t taken No. 1 overall. This shouldn’t be complicated.