James Wiseman’s NBA journey increasingly morose ahead of Warriors reunion – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

When the Golden State Warriors walk into Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Monday afternoon, they will come face to face with a very familiar sight. It’s James Wiseman, the player who was once hailed as the future of the franchise.

But that was 19 months ago.

Now, Wiseman, who is 22 years old, is a benchwarmer for the Detroit Pistons, a team hoping to transition from years of misery to respectability.

With 19-year-old Jalen Duren starting as the center for the Pistons, there is little indication that Wiseman is a key part of their progress.

In their recent game against the Phoenix Suns, every healthy Pistons player except Wiseman received playing time. Wiseman was left on the bench, marking his sixth “Did not play-Coach’s decision” in the last seven games.

Wiseman’s only appearance this season came in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played six minutes and had a modest performance. Overall, his NBA career has been lackluster.

The first-year Pistons coach, Monty Williams, hasn’t shown much faith in Wiseman, making it unlikely that he will see playing time against his former team, the Warriors.

For Dub Nation, Wiseman’s plight is disheartening. As the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, he hasn’t had many opportunities to shine.

Despite his current situation, Wiseman’s former teammates, like Klay Thompson, believe in his potential. They hope to see him succeed, even if it’s not with the Warriors.

Wiseman’s time with the Warriors was marred by injuries, making it difficult for him to establish himself. The team eventually chose to trade him in a four-team deal.

Thompson, who spent time rehabbing with Wiseman, eagerly anticipates their reunion. He wants to check in on his friend and offer support.

The Warriors had high hopes for Wiseman when they entered the 2022 NBA playoffs. However, as they won the championship without him, it became clear that his future with the team was uncertain.

Now, Wiseman finds himself on the bench, far from the promising future he was once expected to have.

On Monday, there will be moments of warmth and nostalgia as old friends reunite. Perhaps one day, Wiseman will overcome the challenges he faces and find success.

In the meantime, he is a young man enduring the harsh realities of the NBA from the lonely end of the bench.

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