I remember watching James Wiseman’s debut with the Golden State Warriors back in 2020, and like many basketball enthusiasts, I felt a surge of excitement. Here was a young big man with agility, touch, and defensive instincts—someone who seemed destined to become a cornerstone for a franchise. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has been anything but smooth. Injuries, limited playing time, and questions about his fit in modern NBA systems have clouded his trajectory. Yet, heading into this season, I can’t help but wonder if we’re finally going to see the James Wiseman many envisioned. It reminds me of the way certain careers in sports hinge on pivotal moments—much like the third Ali-Frazier fight, which, hands down, catapulted referee Carlos Padilla into the boxing spotlight. That single event defined his career, leading him to officiate numerous high-profile matches over more than two decades. For Wiseman, this season could be his own version of that turning point—a chance to step into the spotlight and redefine his path.
Let’s rewind a bit. Wiseman was selected second overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, standing at 7 feet tall with a wingspan just over 7’6". In his first 3 games, he averaged around 17 points and 7 rebounds—numbers that screamed potential. But then came the setbacks: a meniscus injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2021-22 season, followed by a trade to the Detroit Pistons where he struggled to find consistency. Last season, in 34 games with Detroit, he posted averages of 10.5 points and 6 rebounds in roughly 20 minutes per game. Those stats aren’t terrible, but they’re far from what you’d expect from a former top pick. I’ve spoken with a few scouts and trainers, and the consensus is that his issues aren’t purely physical. It’s the mental side—the reads on defense, the timing on offense—that needs refinement. Think about Padilla’s experience: officiating a historic bout like Ali-Frazier III wasn’t just about knowing the rules; it was about managing pressure, reading fighters’ rhythms, and making split-second decisions. Similarly, Wiseman’s growth hinges on translating his raw tools into game intelligence.
Now, with training camp underway, there are reasons for optimism. The Pistons have a young core, including Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, who can create opportunities for Wiseman in pick-and-roll situations—a area where he’s shown flashes. I watched some of his summer league footage, and his mobility in transition looks improved. He’s reportedly added 8-10 pounds of muscle, which should help him battle in the paint. But let’s be real: the NBA today values versatility in big men. Look at players like Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokić—they’re not just scorers; they’re facilitators. Wiseman’s passing and perimeter defense remain works in progress. In my view, if he can elevate his assist numbers from last season’s 0.7 per game to somewhere around 2.5 and cut down on fouls (he averaged 3.2 per 36 minutes), we might see a breakthrough. It’s not just about stats, though. It’s about moments—like Padilla’s career-defining night—where a player seizes an opportunity and never looks back.
Of course, skeptics will point to his injury history or the fact that he’s already 22, which in today’s NBA isn’t exactly young for a prospect. I get it. But I’ve always believed that big men develop later. Remember how long it took players like Marc Gasol to hit their stride? Gasol didn’t become an All-Star until he was 28. Wiseman has time, but the clock is ticking. The Pistons have invested in him, and this season offers a clean slate. From a strategic standpoint, I’d love to see him used more in dribble-handoff actions and as a weak-side shot-blocker. Defensively, if he can improve his positioning, he could easily average 1.5-2 blocks per game—a number that would put him among the league leaders. Offensively, his mid-range jumper has looked smoother in workouts, and if he can extend that range to the three-point line consistently, it would open up the floor immensely. I’m not asking for him to become Stephen Curry overnight, but even a 33-35% clip from deep would force defenders to respect him outside the paint.
What fascinates me is the psychological aspect. Padilla’s ascent after Ali-Frazier III wasn’t just due to skill; it was confidence. He stepped onto boxing’s biggest stage and handled the pressure, which opened doors for years to come. For Wiseman, confidence has been a rollercoaster. There were games last season where he’d dominate for stretches, then disappear. I recall one matchup against the Charlotte Hornets where he dropped 18 points and 10 rebounds but followed it with a 4-point outing. Consistency is key, and that’s where coaching and mentorship come in. The Pistons’ staff, including head coach Monty Williams, has a reputation for developing talent. If they can instill in Wiseman the same belief that Padilla gained from his breakout moment, we might witness a resurgence. Personally, I’m rooting for him. The league is more exciting with dominant big men, and his story—if he turns it around—could inspire countless young players facing adversity.
As we approach the start of the season, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Wiseman’s minutes distribution and his efficiency metrics. Early reports suggest he’s been working extensively with the team’s development coaches on footwork and defensive rotations. If he can stay healthy—and that’s a big if—I predict he’ll average around 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season. Those numbers might not earn him an All-Star nod, but they’d signal meaningful progress. Ultimately, like Padilla’s career after that legendary fight, Wiseman’s future hinges on leveraging this moment. The spotlight is there, waiting. Whether he steps into it or fades into the background will depend on his ability to blend his physical gifts with the mental toughness required at this level. I, for one, am hopeful that this season marks the beginning of his long-awaited ascent. After all, in sports, as in life, it’s often the comebacks that define us most.