Warriors rookie James Wiseman did not play in the first half of Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State’s first after the All-Star break and Wiseman’s first since losing a mandatory coronavirus test during the hiatus.
The NBA released Wiseman to play on Thursday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters in a pre-game videoconference, but Kevon Looney started in his place at the center. Wiseman started Golden State’s last game before the break, and Kerr said at the time that the 19-year-old would play more during the second half of the season.
Kerr said before Thursday’s game that Wiseman’s development should be more “comprehensive” than playing more games.
“As we look great, throughout the second half of the season, we would definitely like to play more with James,” said Kerr. “But development for me is really comprehensive, so a big part of the second half of the season is also what we’re going to do in practice. James more minutes. ‘
“It’s really about the comprehensive development of a young man who is totally new to the league and everything we can do to promote him so that he can reach his talent as quickly as possible, we will do it. But we” also know that you can’t simply wave a magic wand. There is a lot of work involved and we are going to work with him and help him grow. And it is an exciting process. “
Kerr’s latest comments on Wiseman’s development came a day after expressing disappointment at Wiseman’s “mistake” missing a test during the break. Wiseman “could have used the training” and the Warriors “needed him out there,” said Kerr after Wednesday’s training.
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The Warriors lost 59-43 after Thursday’s first half. Golden State fell just two after the first quarter, but its second unit was overtaken by 20-9 in the first 7:11 of the second quarter.
Wiseman, Brad Wanamaker, Mychal Mulder and Damion Lee were the only Warriors who did not play in the first half.
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