Prior to last week's 2020 NBA Draft lottery, a lot of the attention surrounding the Warriors' draft prospects was focused, rightfully so, on the possibility of getting the No. 1 overall pick and potentially taking Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards.
Now that the Warriors officially own the rights to the No. 2 overall pick, that attention has shifted to Memphis center James Wiseman, who many believe is the most likely player for the Warriors to draft if the Minnesota Timberwolves take Edwards at No. 1 overall.
Wiseman, who played just three games at Memphis before leaving the team after the NCAA suspended him 12 games for improper benefits, was seen as the consensus No. 1 pick before the college basketball season started. The 7-foot-1 center is a talented, high-ceiling prospect who could both help the Warriors win now and grow into the next phase of the franchise as he comes of NBA age alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Wiseman currently is working out in Miami as he prepares for the draft, and he showcasing what he can bring to teams in videos posted on Instagram and Tik Tok that have been collected by the Let's Go Warriors fan account.
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You can see the full video here.
It should be noted that all workout videos, whether for draft prospects or unsanctioned NFL team practices, are just souped-up PR videos. You're just seeing the best Wiseman had to offer during his workouts and not an unedited stream as teams would see in a virtual pro day.
Regardless, it's easy to see why the Warriors would be interested in Wiseman if they decide to keep the No. 2 overall pick.
Golden State Warriors
Wiseman has a versatile offensive game with a variety of moves that see him score in a number of ways. While some scouts worry about his ability to stretch the floor at the NBA level, he did shoot 70 percent from the free throw line, which often is seen as an indicator of future 3-point success, and has a smooth stroke that should help him extend his range. He's also a rangy defender with the length to alter shots and the versatility to be a positive force on the Warriors' defense.
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While Wiseman is an intriguing prospect with a ridiculously high ceiling, the Warriors are looking for a quick bounce back to the top of the NBA after a year spent resting and recalibrating.
The No. 2 overall pick, even in this draft, is an asset that could help them net another veteran piece who can help Curry, Thompson and Green as they look to get back to the NBA Finals. The Warriors likely would be better served packaging the pick in a trade for a star or future assets that can then be flipped for a star rather than drafting Wiseman or another prospect at No. 2.
The Warriors are a disciplined organization that has a clear plan for their future. But it might be hard to say no to drafting Wiseman when the time comes.