Where’s the roof for James Wiseman? If the rookie manages to approach the same stratosphere as NBA double-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Warriors will succeed.
OK, OK, he’s only four games in his NBA career. But in Tuesday’s 116-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons, the second overall choice showed shadows of Greek Freak’s skill in the fourth period. With the Warriors holding a four-point lead with less than seven minutes left, Wiseman hit Mason Plumlee on the free-throw line before catching the ball, driving around the court, crossing a defender and hitting home a dunk.
“His ‘Giannis Play’ was quite impressive, too, in the transition,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
When you see the 2.10 meter Wiseman moving like that, there are not many other comparisons to make. Steph Curry said he also felt Giannis’ vibrations when he saw Wiseman slide across the court.
“It looked like a Giannis situation,” said Curry. “It was amazing. I think he’s really starting to figure out when to be aggressive. “
Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast
Kerr and Curry recognize greatness when they see it. It was true that it was just a move, but Wiseman’s potential is leaking.
Wiseman finished with six points and six rebounds and is limited to one digit of points in the Warriors’ two wins this season. But he impressed from an early age with his maturity, 3-point pitch and athleticism.
It’s easy to talk about Wiseman’s theatrical show on Tuesday, but he also deserves credit for maintaining discipline in defense. Several times during the second half, Wiseman did not take the bait in some difficult fakes and kept his balance to force strange shots. He ended the night with two blocks.
“James had a very good stretch on Wednesday, with his size and presence in the painting, for the first time really, in the four games,” said Kerr. “It looked like he knew what his job was – to protect the rim and not harm it. … I thought he had his best defensive line of the season in that fourth period. He made some really great plays. “
RELATED: Wiggins’ Fourth Dominant Room Boosts Dubs Beyond Pistons
Wiseman also suffered a foul for the first time in his career after 22 minutes of play. Don’t worry about Dubs, however. They achieved victory and Wiseman’s future looks bright.
“He was very disappointed with the lack,” said Kerr. “You know, he is just a child and he is learning. It is incredible to see someone so young, with so little experience at the university level, no summer league, no training camp.
“To see how balanced he is, how much he wants to learn, how much he listens without feeling criticized or judged. He is beyond his age from the point of view of maturity. ”