No doubt about it, Sunday afternoon belonged to James Wiseman at Chase Center.
As the Santa Cruz Warriors emerged from the tunnel, the 20-year-old center was the first one out, adorned with a big smile and showered with cheers. The next time he runs out the tunnel, it could be for real. Following his second straight productive performance in the G League, it’s probably time to take the training wheels off the big fella.
Wiseman racked up 19 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in 20 minutes of action for the Santa Cruz Warriors in a 110-107 win over the G League Ignite, in front of a collection of his Golden State teammates, coaches and front office staff.
“I feel good,” Wiseman told NBC Sports Bay Area after the game. “The first half I was nervous, but I just had to get comfortable and stuff. Today was a good win.”
Juan Toscano-Anderson showed up to the game in a Wiseman jersey. Other teammates like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole showed support for Wiseman, along with owner Joe Lacob, general manager Bob Myers, head coach Steve Kerr and assistant coach Mike Brown. They got to see Wiseman assert himself against the Ignite, a team composed of top draft-eligible prospects and former NBA players like Amir Johnson.
Wiseman hasn’t played an NBA game in 11 months since tearing the meniscus in his right knee but could be rejoining Golden State as soon as Monday night’s contest against the Washington Wizards. It’s probably prudent to keep Wiseman off the floor for a back-to-back, so perhaps it’s more likely we could see the center make his NBA sophomore season debut on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics.
“Just been waiting my time,” Wiseman said. “It’s god’s plan so I’ve just been taking it one step at a time, practicing, getting better and improving.”
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In Sunday’s contest, Wiseman had the perfect opportunity to play at Chase Center in a competitive game with no real consequences. Aside from that, Golden State’s key shot-callers got to see him up close before deciding if he’s ready for the NBA recall.
Rebound. Run the floor. Repeat. That’s really all the Warriors need him to do once he reaches Golden State.
Wiseman did plenty of that Sunday, often streaking down the court in transition. He also took the opportunity to try his mid-range game and even hoisted a pair of 3-pointers, banking in one of them. But the Warriors really only need Wiseman to dunk and rebound, like he was able to do on Sunday.
Wiseman had a couple of silly fouls and looks like he could be susceptible to slow defensive rotations or getting beat on defense at the NBA level, but overall, the Warriors just have to be happy with his movement and athletic ability as a 7-footer. They don’t have anyone on the roster who brings what he brings.
Wiseman clearly soaked in the moment Sunday.
“I can’t wait to go out there and just play hard, play smart and go out there and have fun,” Wiseman said.
The Warriors will likely announce a decision on Wiseman’s status with Golden State soon. After this two-game audition, that also included a 18-point, six-rebound game on Thursday, Wiseman looks ready to go, physically. It might be a bit much to expect him to be a major contributor to the Warriors, who desperately need size inside, but reinforcements are coming.
With Wiseman’s progress and Monday’s announced return of Draymond Green, the Warriors are looking healthiest they’ve been all season with 14 games remaining in the regular season. Otto Porter Jr., Andre Iguodala and Gary Payton II are all dealing with nagging injuries, but the big ones seem to be out of the way.
The final phase of the 2021-22 Warriors is about to begin.
