The Golden State Warriors have started the season well, but they need to fill holes on their roster.
The Golden State Warriors are 3-1 through four games, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening game. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are both in great shape, as is Jonathan Kuminga, who is coming off his summer deal.
Draymond Green is back to his great best, leading the offense and leading the team in assists, and Al Horford is looking solid after signing this summer. But Horford has already missed the game, leaving the Warriors’ center field wide open.
It’s a position that has been a problem for Golden State for years, and Horford was brought in to fill the void. However, at this stage in his career, Horford can’t play as a rim protector and rebounder every night, and the departure of Kevon Looney left them without a force.
Their center void is very noticeable, with Curry leading the team in blocks this season. But the Indiana Pacers may have just gotten some help, as they just waived the former Warriors No. 2 pick who helped them win the 2022 NBA championship.
The Pacers fired James Wiseman after starting the season 0-3. They had a few injuries on the perimeter and had to make way for high flyer Mac McClung.
Wiseman was selected by the Warriors in the second pick of the 2020 NBA Draft and won a championship with the team, but failed to live up to his pre-draft potential and was ultimately traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2023.
Since then, injuries have derailed Wiseman’s career. He tore his Achilles tendon after signing with the Pacers and was then traded to the Toronto Raptors. Wiseman re-signed in Indiana when Myles Turner joined the Milwaukee Bucks.
Wiseman wasn’t effective at Indiana, but he might be exactly what the Warriors need.
No pressure to carry loads from five positions. Horford will do it in the biggest moment of the season. Instead, Golden State needs a player familiar with their system who can run the floor, rebound, and protect the rim.
Despite his flaws, Wiseman proved he can be a force in Golden State. And with the likes of Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembaneyama dominating the conference, the Warriors need the physicality to throw against elite centers. If Horford fouls out against the Spurs, it would be an easy pick for Wembaneyama.
Wiseman has emerged over the past few seasons and would be a viable pickup for Golden State with a minimum contract.
Wiseman struggled for playing time in Golden State after winning a championship the year before. He was injured when the Warriors won the title and was unable to compete until returning to the team.
Despite this, Kerr called Wiseman “a pleasure to coach” and expressed regret that he didn’t get enough playing time.
Kerr said this on 95.7 The Game’s “Damon & Ratt” in January 2023, a month before the Warriors traded him to the Pistons.
“He’s struggled with injuries. Injuries have definitely set him back. But the bottom line is he’s a really talented young man playing on a veteran team.”
“(Wiseman) is in a situation where he’s not going to get as many reps and playing time as he would have if he was drafted by another team. I’m sure he’ll get more opportunities, but that’s part of his story and part of his journey.”
“And what I like about James is that he understands and recognizes that and continues to keep a positive mindset and energy and work hard every day, and he’s great as a coach.”
Unfortunately, Wiseman was unable to prove his head coach right in the next few games. Injuries continued to hinder him. But he’s not expected to do much, and he could play a key role on a Warriors team that has high expectations alongside Curry and Butler.