Prior to last week’s NBA Draft 2020 lottery, much of the attention surrounding the Warriors’ draft prospects was, rightly so, on getting the overall # 1 pick and potentially taking Georgia’s shooting guard Anthony Edwards.
Now that the Warriors officially own the rights to Absolute Choice No. 2, the focus has shifted to downtown Memphis James Wiseman, who many believe is the player the Warriors are most likely to select if the Minnesota Timberwolves take Edwards at number 1 overall.
Wiseman, who only played three games in Memphis before leaving the team after the NCAA suspended him 12 games for improper benefits, was seen as the number one choice before the college basketball season began. The 7-foot-1 center is a talented, high-ceilinged prospect that could both help the Warriors win now and grow into the next stage of the franchise when it becomes the NBA alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Wiseman is currently working in Miami as he prepares for the draft and shows what he can bring to teams in the videos posted on Instagram and Tik Tok that have been collected from the Let’s Go Warriors fan account.
“With the second choice of 2020 #NBADraft, the Warriors select … ”
If it’s JamesWiseman, here’s why: ????⛹???????? https://t.co/7oZq723T0E pic.twitter.com/RUv6foaRTQ
– Let’s Go Warriors ???????????? (@LetsGoWarriors) 24 August 2020
You can see the full video here.
It should be noted that all training videos, both for prospective clients and unauthorized NFL team training, are rigged PR videos only. You’re just seeing the best Wiseman had to offer during his training and not an unreleased stream as teams would see on a virtual pro day.
Regardless, it’s easy to see why the Warriors would be interested in Wiseman if they decided to stick with choice # 1. 2 ever.
Wiseman has versatile offensive play with a variety of moves that see him score in many ways. While some Scouts worry about his ability to stretch the floor to NBA level, he has shot 70% from the free throw line, which is often seen as an indicator of future 3-point success, and has a regular shot that should help him extend. its scope. He is also a sturdy defender with the length to modify shots and the versatility to be a positive force on the Warriors defense.
[RELATED: LeBron, Klay joke on Instagram about Warriors’ playoff return]
While Wiseman is an intriguing prospect with an incredibly high ceiling, the Warriors are looking for a quick rebound to get back on top of the NBA after a year of resting and recalibrating.
Choice No. 2 overall, even in this draft, is an asset that could help them earn another veteran piece that can help Curry, Thompson and Green as they try to get back to the NBA Finals. The Warriors would probably be better served to package the choice into an exchange for a star or future assets which can then be exchanged for a star rather than drawing Wiseman or another potential client at No. 2.
The Warriors are a disciplined organization that has a clear plan for its future. But it might be hard to say no to the Wiseman editorial team when the time comes.
[RUNNIN’ PLAYS PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]
