The Detroit Pistons rolled the dice on James Wiseman, but it’s a move that could end up paying big dividends down the road.
Three years ago, the Golden State Warriors lucked into the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. And with that pick, they chose James Wiseman. The expectations for the No. 2 overall pick were high, especially when you are drafted between the future face of Minnesota basketball, Anthony Edwards, and the generational talent of LaMelo Ball.
Wiseman’s measurables were off the charts. A 7-footer with skill and room to grow physically was the best center prospect of the draft. Golden State had a need at center and Wiseman separated himself from the pack somehow, even though he only played three games at the University of Memphis with a stat line of 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
Coming into a seemingly ideal situation with Golden State, who were looking to regain their status as contenders with many veterans already in place, a rookie could not ask for better luck…unless you’re James Wiseman.
The system in Golden State revolves around shooters and they ask their big men to move the ball, set solid screens and defend, all of which were Wisemen’s noted weaknesses. It was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole; it just wasn’t working.
In the heyday of Steph Curry’s Warriors, who was their center? Andrew Bogut. You know what he excelled at? Defending, playmaking, and screen setting. When a player is as skilled and has schematically changed basketball, like Steph Curry, you have to respect it, build around him and play to his strengths. Yes, Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick, but you are no two-time MVP award winner.
Wiseman clearly needed a change and he was never going to live up to his potential in a Warriors uniform.
For better or worse, James Wiseman needed a change of scenery
At the NBA Trade Deadline, the Detroit Pistons “stole” Wiseman from a difficult situation in California for pennies on the dollar. This move was part of a four-team deal with Gary Payton II and two second-round picks returning to the Warriors, Kevin Knox and five second-round picks sent to Portland, and Saddiq Bey sent to Atlanta.
Troy Weaver, the general manager of the Pistons, has always had interest in Wiseman since the draft process began. Having to scout based on high school footage can be rare, but that is how general managers make their money.
Being moved to Detroit is the perfect place for Wiseman. He is coming from of a championship environment to a rebuilding situation. The potential of Wiseman can be unleashed in a looser circumstance where mistakes are tolerated instead of disciplined. Playing center is tough because you need someone to get you the ball and the Pistons have several options.
The only concern about Detroit is their abundance of centers. They are asking Isaiah Stewart to shoot 3’s to expand his game. With Marvin Bagley, Wiseman, Stewart and rookie standout Jalen Duren are all on the roster, finding playing time is going to be the challenge.
If Wiseman was to become a full-time starter, he could average 18-25 points per game. During his four-game stretch as a starter, with Duren out, he averaged, 16.5 points during 28 minutes.
So, was this a gamble? Yes. Was it worth it? Only time will tell. The loss of the free agent to be Saddiq Bey, for the potential of Wiseman was a smart roll of the dice. Troy Weaver has the track record of finding talent, going back to his OKC days, and his love for Wiseman is unmatched.
Now we will have to see if the love can be fruitful on the basketball court. So, is James Wiseman fool’s gold or buried treasure?