Every player who comes out of a white season will be closely scrutinized during this preseason, and this was the case on Friday of James Wiseman. We had not seen the young interior in the Warriors jersey since… April 11, 2021! Almost 18 months without playing, treating his knee, with relapses, and finally he made his comeback against the Wizards in Japan.
And everything went very well with 20 points and 9 rebounds, and above all a very good visual impression, whether in terms of his understanding with his teammates and his physical form.
” It’s simply his understanding of spacing and communication in defense… Being in the right place appreciated Steve Kerr. ” He has a much better understanding of the NBA game than two years ago. He worked a lot and obviously last year, despite his injury, he studied, watched tapes and learned from our veterans. So I couldn’t be happier for James… and to see him rewarded in the first pre-season game is fantastic. »
“Just being on the pitch makes me feel good”
His relationship with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green has been an interesting one, and the 2020 Draft No. 2 pick now wants to make up for lost time.
” It feels good to be on the pitch with my teammates and to play he admits. ” It’s been a year and a half, two years, and just being on the pitch makes me feel good. Like you said, it’s just a pre-season game, and I’ll keep working. »
For Wes Unseld Jr, the Wizards coach, the kid has the potential to win in the Warriors rotation. ” As he was absent for a long time due to injuries, people did not think of him to be in the rotation. But he was clearly a top player in college, and you’re starting to see how it looks in the pros. I think he has incredible potential. It will take him a long time, but he has a lot of potential. »
