James Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, selected by the Golden State Warriors. He has had a mixed rookie year with the Golden State Warriors. He showed flashes of his elite athleticism and shooting touch, but there were times when his inexperience was on display as well.
While Wiseman missed the majority of the 2020-21 season due to his rehabbing from injury, it seems as though he is not letting that dampen his spirits. Recently, James Wiseman revealed that he feels as though “going through adversity” has helped mold him into the person he is today and added that it had strengthened him both mentally and physically. CJ Holmes of The San Francisco Chronicle relayed the news.
Since establishing himself as the No. 1 high school player in the nation, Wiseman’s basketball career has seen adversity at every turn. His stay at Memphis was cut short in the aftermath of an eligibility battle. He has appeared in just 39 games with the Warriors because of a torn meniscus in his right knee suffered in April 2021. The subsequent setbacks and months of rehabilitation that followed have been difficult to navigate.
“Just experience, going through adversity, it teaches you a lot,” Wiseman said. “It basically draws you closer to yourself. I’m not afraid to be myself anymore. I’m happy about everything I’ve gone through because it’s molded me into the person I am today. It’s strengthened me mentally, physically, in all aspects.”
It is clear that James Wiseman still has a role to play in the Warriors’ future. Hopefully, one day, we see him develop into that versatile big man that can take over from veteran Kevon Looney as the starting center next to the Warriors’ core.
There are many people who believe James Wiseman will be an All-Star one day due to his combination of physical tools and skills. Hopefully, we see that happen sooner rather than later, and it’ll be interesting to see if James Wiseman will end up reaching his potential.
