Why Hill believes Wiseman will help Warriors in rookie year

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Grant Hill knows what it takes to make an instant impact as a rookie. After a historic Duke career, Hill shared the NBA's 1994-95 Rookie of the Year with Jason Kidd after averaging 19.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game for the Detroit Pistons. 

James Wiseman might not put up those kind of numbers for the Warriors this upcoming season, but Hill does believe the young center will make an instant impact as a rookie. 

"His activity, his energy, his basketball IQ -- you put him out there with Draymond Green, Steph Curry in a system that will feature him and allow him to shine," Hill said Wednesday morning on NBA TV. "There won't be a lot of attention or spotlight on him. Obviously Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Kelly Oubre, some of these other guys that are veterans and more experienced will be called upon.

"But his energy, his activity and his youth I think will allow him to come out and be effective."

Wiseman can instantly enter the role that JaVale McGee played during the Warriors' dynasty. He can run the floor, catch lobs and throw down put-back dunks. While he might not be a 3-point threat early on, he has shown a soft touch on his jumper. 

What makes Hill an even bigger believer is Wiseman's ability on defense. Hill expects big things on that side of the ball from the 7-foot-1 center. 

"I love him on defense," Hill said. "You can switch everything, play positionless basketball like we know Golden State really truly embraces. Wiseman is a great defensive player, a rim protector -- I think he can guard smalls on the perimeter.

"So, I like this pickup for them on both ends of the court."

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Wiseman, along with Green, missed the Warriors' first training camp practice for undisclosed reasons. The rookie was allowed back in the building on Tuesday to watch practice from the team balcony. It remains unclear if he will play in Golden State's preseason opener on Saturday night. Once Wiseman is on the floor, Hill is excited to see how he helps Curry and Co. 

"Is he gonna be a dominant player? I don't know right out the gate," Hill said. "I think he'll be a guy who can have an impact for a team with playoff aspirations."

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