James Wiseman missed a COVID-19 test during the All-Star break and was forced not to participate in Wednesday’s training, Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters in a videoconference.
The 19-year-old’s status is in doubt for Thursday’s second half debut against the Los Angeles Clippers.
“It was a mistake,” said Kerr. “He just forgot. It is disappointing because he could have used the training tonight and we needed him out there. It is disappointing that he made the mistake. “
Kerr has praised Wiseman’s immense potential since he was so young, but now his youth is showing up for another reason.
Kerr said Wiseman was in the Bay Area during the break. Teammate Eric Paschall said that the players who stayed at the site were forced to enter the team’s facilities for daily testing, while Kerr said he had to send in his tests overnight during the break.
The pandemic has brought a number of new challenges and part of being an NBA player these days includes extra commitments and attention to detail. From Kerr’s comments, it appears that this was an avoidable episode for the young rookie.
Steph Curry said he hopes this will turn into a teaching moment for Wiseman.
“It’s what you have to do,” said Curry. “For a novice to enter, there are obviously a lot of things being played against you just in terms of what is happening on the court. But now, obviously, all the protocol and responsibility stuff during the break.
“But I think we all understand that this is our job and we have things to do. When you don’t, you are left a little behind. So, I hope he won’t be gone for long. I don’t know what the situation really is, to be honest. We all have to do our part to get through the season. “
RELATED: Warriors Have a ‘Responsibility’ to Win with Curry, Myers Says
Curry also shared the kind of advice he can offer Wiseman.
“His personality type, he strives to be great and he has the feeling that he must be perfect all the time,” said Curry. “I think that for him, um, whatever the situation is now, everything will be resolved. He will be back with us as soon as possible. But to take responsibility like any other guy in the locker room and do your job, show up with the right mindset every day. “
Kerr said Wiseman traveled to Los Angeles with the team, but the league notified the Warriors on Wednesday that the center was ineligible to train. The Clippers’ attacking court includes players like Serge Ibaka, Nicolas Batum and Ivica Zubac.
The second overall choice had a season of ups and downs, averaging 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while he was out for 11 games with a wrist injury and switched to a reserve role in recent weeks. Considering that this setback was preventable, this is a difficult way for the rookie to start the second half.
Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast