It’s a good thing Stephen Curry defies age well into his age-37 season. The Golden State Warriors have insulated him with veteran talent like Buddy Hield, Al Horford, and Jimmy Butler.
In recent years, the Warriors drafted Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody. All three are solid, if not excellent, supporting players.
However, Curry won’t play forever. The Warriors had a chance to draft a franchise cornerstone in 2020, after an injury-riddled season gave them a prime lottery position. With the second overall pick, they selected James Wiseman.
On October 27, Wiseman was waived by his third team, the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers inked Mac McClung to his first multi-season contract, possibly ending Wiseman’s NBA career.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 21: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Markieff Morris #13 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of the game at Barclays Center on December 21, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors Drafted Bust in 2020
Drafted second out of Memphis, Wiseman was expected to be an athletic, mobile running mate for Curry before eventually taking over as the Warriors’ centerpiece.
Instead, injuries and generally disappointing play held him back. In two and a half seasons with Golden State, he averaged 9.9 points and five rebounds in 60 games before being traded to the Detroit Pistons.
With the Pistons, he would play on the utterly putrid early 2020s teams, although he was unable to make much of a name for himself. In 2024, he signed a deal with the Pacers, but tore his Achilles tendon in the season opener.
This summer, Indiana brought him back. He scored four points in his lone appearance and was waived in favor of McClung, a G League MVP and three-time Dunk Champion. McClung is an exciting player, to be sure, although he only has six NBA appearances to his name.
In the middle of Curry’s prime, the Warriors were gifted a chance to add high-value talent on a team-friendly deal. They swung for the fences with Wiseman and missed terribly.
Warriors Could Have Landed Elite Talent
Wiseman played only three NCAA games for the Memphis Tigers before suspension ended his career. Head coach Penny Hardaway allegedly paid for his family’s moving expenses.
Wiseman was touted as a versatile scorer who could move up and down the court and dominate on defense. The draft, more often than not, is a crapshoot, and the Warriors missed out.
It’s easy to ask “what if.”
LaMelo Ball was far from a sure thing, but he’s an elite scorer and All-Star who could have been a franchise centerpiece, provided he bought into Steve Kerr and Dryamond Green’s mentality. Behind him, the Dubs could have picked Tyrese Haliburton or Tyrese Maxey, also All-Stars.
Also near the top of the draft were Isaac Okoro, Obi Toppin, Devin Vassell, and Aaron Nesmith. None of those players is a superstar. However, they are reliable in their role and would have given the Warriors and Curry a steady hand to lean on.
Ever since the draft, Wiseman’s career has showcased the Warriors’ ineptitude at the time. This latest move only adds insult to injury.
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