Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman
With Klay Thompson out for the year and Draymond Green likely in decline, the Golden State Warriors will definitely need some players to break out if they want to get back to the playoffs. Lucky for them they drafted James Wiseman – my personal favorite player from the 2020 draft – with the second overall pick.
Fans were robbed a seeing more James Wiseman last year when the NCAA declared him ineligible after only two games at Memphis. But in those two games, Wiseman showed that he has all the makings of a future star. The 7-footer has all the physical tools of a modern-day big man and runs the floor like a gazelle.
Wiseman’s ceiling will ultimately depend on his shot development. If he can’t develop a reliable shot and must be an exclusive rim-runner, then he’ll be another DeAndre Jordan. If you can develop a decent stroke, he’ll be another Myles Turner. If he can improve his shot and defensive instincts, he’ll be another Joel Embiid (with twice the work ethic).
Let’s also not forget that Steph Curry still plays for the Golden State Warriors, which will be the key to Wiseman’s breakout this year. Having the greatest shooter ever on the floor will give spacing for the rookie big man Wiseman to roam and dominate the paint. With Curry back on the floor and the Warriors development team working to develop his game, James Wiseman will be must-see TV and should be a front-runner for Rookie of the Year.