James Wiseman’s impressive Summer League campaign highlights why the Warriors can defend their NBA crown

Despite James Wiseman’s undeveloped abilities and lack of experience, the Warriors knew exactly what they were doing when they selected him with the No. 2 choice in the 2020 NBA Draft. The 7-footer would add height to Golden State’s roster right away and provide them access to a potential rim-runner and lob threat.

Before a torn right meniscus ended Wiseman’s rookie campaign, it was evident he still had a long way to go as a rebounder and understanding of how to use his body. Due to that right knee, he missed every NBA game this past season.

Sunday night belonged to James Wiseman because several important players were sidelined for the day, including Kuminga, Moody, Quinndary Weatherspoon, and Gui Santos. Everyone had the opportunity to see the previous top choice in-game action throughout the summer on this occasion.

Image Credits – SN

Wiseman completed his Summer League schedule by playing 19 minutes. As the Warriors cleared their bench for the fourth quarter and saw their advantage evaporate as the Wizards went on a 20-0 run at one point, all his 19 minutes came during the first three quarters.

Overall, Wiseman demonstrated the qualities that make him such a fascinating young player. It was clear that the 7-footer could use his length and run the floor. On both sides of the ball, that is correct. His last thirty seconds of the first half served as the ideal illustration.

He first created a solid screen for Mac McClung, then rolled to the basket and threw down a powerful slam. After that, Wiseman blocked his second shot of the game on the opposing side, capping off a sequence that should put a grin on every Warriors player’s face.

The Washington Wizards defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA 2K23 Summer League on Sunday night at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, coming from behind to win 87-77. The Wizards were helped by a strong fourth quarter and outstanding shooting performances from Jaime Echenique and Quenton Jackson.

As they built an eight-point lead while limiting the Warriors to just 11 points in the first quarter, the Wizards appeared to have the Warriors’ number. But during the second quarter, when the Warriors led 31-18, the situation completely changed.

Every game in Vegas saw Wiseman develop as a screener. Despite how ecstatic he is at the moment and wants to leap at virtually anything. He also demonstrated his skills to block shots and disrupt the offense. The Warriors should give him something they lack, a legitimate lob threat. Meanwhile, he develops his arsenal around the rim since they are aware of his offensive skill set already being there.

 

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