The past weeks have hinted that the Golden State Warriors are almost sure of making James Wiseman as the second overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. Considering they need a big man, that makes sense.
But looking at the Warriors system, almost all players need to be ready to score. Wiseman did have good averages in his stint with Memphis. He averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds and also shot 76.9 percent from the field and 70.4 percent from the free-throw line.
But one thing most fail to see is that Wiseman did those in only three games. He was limited to that due to some issues tied up with his stint.
The Warriors reportedly still are figuring out where to put James Wiseman on their NBA draft big board https://t.co/55GLgkwj6l pic.twitter.com/ckMAUrPpwd — Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 2, 2020
Initial reports came out that Wiseman is good on defense but lacked the playmaking and scoring skills that the Warriors would need. Though head coach Steve Kerr already has a lot of offensive weapons, any player needs to be ready to score when the opportunity comes. Wiseman may not have that in him, needing more time to develop other parts of his game.
With these flaws pointed out by Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, the question up in the air right now is on whether it would be wise for the Dubs to pick Wiseman at no. 2. The Minnesota Timberwolves go first and the consensus is that they will select LaMelo Ball for added scoring threat. So the next question, assuming that does happen, is if it would be wise for Kerr to pass up taking in Anthony Edwards.
Edwards is considered the most talented of the lot and it would be foolish to imagine he would fall to the number three selection. The Charlotte Hornets would be happy to take him in if ever he is still available by the time their turn comes.
If the Warriors are unsure, trading down and taking in a veteran big man would make sense. The New York Knicks could be interested and Mitchell Robinson makes sense for the Dubs. Golden State could still make a selection at a lower rank, possibly picking a player like Deni Avdija. The Israeli made a good impression with the Dubs recently so picking someone who can help the offense would be a feasible recourse.
If the Dubs pull off a trade with the Knicks, it not only gives them the big man they have been longing for but also adding a young face that should align with the club’s future.
