The Warriors will have to make two major roster reintegrations this season and one of them seems to be approaching fast. Golden State is 5-1 with it’s small-ball brand of hoops, but second-year center James Wiseman and veteran star guard Klay Thompson are going to change the way this team plays in the coming weeks.
Wiseman hit a milestone in his recovery from April meniscus surgery, as he was cleared to play at full speed in practice on Monday.
“It’s going great so far,” Wiseman told reporters at Monday’s practice. “Just taking it day-by-day, taking it one day at a time. Just getting stronger, getting better, watching the plays, observing. Today was my first day out there for practice. I enjoyed myself and I just can’t wait to get back with my team.”
The team is yet to issue a timetable to Wiseman’s return to the Warriors. Wiseman looked spry when he threw down a dunk last week, but is yet to play 5-on-5 in practice as he ramps up his rehab. The No. 2 overall pick is probably still weeks away from rejoining Golden State and said he would welcome a rehab stint in the G League with the Santa Cruz Sea Dubs.
“I would like to go down there so I can just get sharp physically, mentally,” Wiseman said. “I’m getting there. Whatever happens within that time, I’m down for whatever.”
Coach Steve Kerr has said the team will likely rely on Wiseman for pick-and-roll actions, since the team doesn’t have a true lob threat in the rotation.
During Saturday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Steph Curry talked to Wiseman on the bench and pointed out a play where the 7-footer could have thrown down an alley oop. Instead, a bounce pass went to Kevon Looney, who was swallowed up by the defense.
The 20-year-old Wiseman said he’s been focused on watching Looney and Draymond Green during games, especially with their defensive positioning. Wiseman said he’s watched a lot of film while he’s been sidelined this year and that he also added 7-to-10 pounds of muscle.
“I feel good physically,” Wiseman said. “I feel better than where I was last year in terms of strength-wise. I feel good. Just everything: nutrition, weight lifting, a lot of stuff. I wasn’t able to do nothing for five and a half, six months. I just lifted and made sure I had a balanced diet. Stuff like that.”
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Overall, Wiseman said he’s feeling more confident in his assignments after his stop-and-go rookie season, when he played in 39 games.
“Just bringing that knowledge to my second year, I’m not, like, lost out there,” Wiseman said. “I kinda know where to be at on the defense and offense as well. It’s much, much better this year.”
This season may as well be an extension of Wiseman's rookie year, but it's great to see him clear a big hurdle in his rehab.
