Wonder how James Wiseman is doing in his rehab?
During Friday’s practice at the team’s facility in San Francisco, the second-year center showed some great agility while spinning in the lane and throwing down a dunk.
Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick in 2020, is still probably weeks away from rejoining the team after undergoing surgery in April to repair a torn meniscus, but it’s encouraging to see his development. The Warriors could use an inside presence like Wiseman and someone to help lighten the load for Draymond Green.
Coach Steve Kerr said the plan will be to ease Wiseman back into the game action with simple pick-and-roll sets that will be able to capitalize on his athleticism. Kevon Looney, listed at 6-foot-9, is the team’s lone de facto big man, and the Warriors don’t have a true lob threat outside of sparsely used Gary Payton II.
On Thursday, Kerr outlined the plan for the 20-year-old Wiseman going forward.
“Get him very comfortable with the play calls, with the schemes, get him as much scrimmage time as possible before we throw him out in a real game,” Kerr said. “All of that will be done. But it’s still going to be an adjustment for him. He’s still so young. There will be some growing pains, but we’re really excited.”
The Warriors have relied heavily on small-ball lineups but Wiseman has the athleticism to run at that pace for Kerr. He also showed the ability to knock down an open jumper. Adding Wiseman off the bench would add a nice dimension for the Warriors, who could also benefit from a shot-blocking threat.
