I remember watching James Wiseman dominate in high school and thinking he was destined to become the next great NBA big man. Standing at 7 feet tall with the athleticism of a guard, he seemed to have that rare combination of physical gifts and basketball IQ that comes along maybe once in a generation. Fast forward to today, and his journey has been anything but linear - filled with unexpected twists that remind me of that Knights game I once covered where a 29-12 lead nearly evaporated when the champions suddenly woke up from their slumber. That's essentially been Wiseman's career trajectory - moments of brilliance followed by periods where he seemed to disappear, leaving everyone wondering when the real James Wiseman would finally emerge.
When Golden State selected him second overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, the expectations were astronomical. I recall talking to scouts who believed he could average 18 points and 10 rebounds as a rookie while anchoring their defense. The Warriors organization, fresh off their championship dynasty, saw him as the perfect bridge to their next era. His first 12 games actually looked promising - he was putting up 12.5 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field. But then the injuries started, and that's where his story took its first dramatic turn. Meniscus surgery limited him to just 39 games that rookie season, and the following year he didn't play a single minute due to complications in his recovery. It was during this period that I began to understand how difficult the transition can be for young big men in today's NBA.
What fascinates me about Wiseman's situation is how it mirrors that basketball game I referenced earlier. The Knights built what seemed like an insurmountable lead at 29-12, much like Wiseman's seemingly unstoppable rise through high school and college. But just as the champions in that game started chipping away at the lead, reality began chipping away at Wiseman's projected trajectory. The NBA game moved faster than he anticipated, defensive schemes were more complex, and the physical demands exceeded anything he'd experienced at Memphis. I've spoken with several player development coaches who work with young centers, and they consistently mention that the learning curve for big men is steeper than for any other position. They need to master pick-and-roll defense, understand spacing in modern offenses, and develop counters against smaller, quicker opponents - all while maintaining their natural advantages in the paint.
When Detroit acquired him in February 2023, I saw it as the perfect fresh start. The Pistons were in full rebuild mode, unlike the win-now environment in Golden State where every mistake felt magnified. In Detroit's system, Wiseman finally got the consistent minutes he needed - averaging around 25 minutes per game over his first 25 appearances. His numbers improved to 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds, though his defensive rating of 118.7 still left much to be desired. Watching him develop in Detroit reminded me of something a veteran coach once told me: "Big men need game reps more than any other position. You can run drills all day, but until they're reading NBA offenses in real time, they're not really learning."
The statistical analysis of Wiseman's impact reveals why opinions on his potential remain divided. Among centers who played at least 40 games last season, he ranked in the bottom 20% in defensive win shares and the bottom 30% in defensive rating. Yet his offensive potential remains tantalizing - he shot 61% on attempts within 3 feet of the basket and showed improved touch on his mid-range jumper, hitting 42% from 10-16 feet. These numbers tell the story of a player with undeniable offensive tools who still needs significant development on the defensive end. Personally, I believe his defensive struggles are more about awareness and positioning than physical limitations, which means they're correctable with proper coaching and experience.
Looking ahead, I'm cautiously optimistic about Wiseman's future, though I acknowledge my perspective might be more positive than many analysts. The physical tools that made him the second overall pick haven't disappeared - he still possesses that rare combination of size, athleticism, and touch around the basket. What he needs now is continuity in his development and the patience to work through growing pains. The Pistons seem committed to giving him that opportunity, having invested significant practice time in his footwork and defensive positioning. If he can stay healthy - and that's a significant if given his injury history - I could see him developing into a 16-point, 10-rebound player within the next two seasons. That might not be the superstar trajectory many projected, but it would make him a valuable starting center in this league.
The comparison to that Knights game continues to resonate with me because basketball careers, like individual games, are rarely straightforward narratives. Just when you think you know how the story will end, something shifts - a player makes a leap, a coach finds the right role, or everything simply clicks into place. Wiseman's journey has been more challenging than anticipated, but at just 23 years old, he has time to rewrite his narrative. The physical gifts that made him a top prospect remain, and if he can translate his obvious talents into consistent production, he could still become the impactful player so many believed he would be. In the NBA, as in that memorable game, it's not about how you start but how you finish that ultimately defines your legacy.