Show, don’t tell.
After weeks of hearing that James Wiseman was on the doorstep of contact practice, he was spotted playing 3-on-3 with contact Tuesday in Salt Lake City. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater shared video from Vivint Arena.
This is an unprecedented step in Wiseman’s recovery from a meniscus tear in right knee from April 10, 2021. As far as reporters know, he had been limited to individual or non-contact team work before Tuesday’s practice session.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was cautious to stir any optimism Monday about Wiseman joining the Warriors on their current road trip, but this is a crucial step in Wiseman’s rehab. Conceivably, the 20-year-old could be weeks away from rejoining Golden State and making his sophomore season debut.
For reference, Klay Thompson was cleared for 5-on-5 contact on Nov. 21, seven weeks before he returned on Klay Day Jan. 9. Wiseman might not need as big of a runway, but time is ticking on the rest of the 2021-22 regular season, which wraps up on April 10, exactly one year after his awkward fall against the Houston Rockets. The All-Star break will be held from Feb. 18 to Feb. 23.
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Thompson was rehabbing with Wiseman earlier this season and said the two talk regularly.
“I talk to Wise every day,” Thompson said. “I’m glad we’re taking our time with him, because we forget sometimes he’s only 20 years old. The best basketball is far ahead of him. He’s going to be a great player. He’s doing great. He shows up and he works really hard and he’s so mature for his age. He’s a great listener and he’s a great teammate. I’m excited for Wise.”
Adding the athletic 7-footer would be a boon for the Warriors (41-13) who are thriving despite Draymond Green’s calf/back injuries and having Kevon Looney as the team’s lone big man. Wiseman averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in 21.4 minutes throughout his 39 games last season, while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor. The team is still high on Wiseman despite a rocky start to his NBA career.
