It’s rare for a perennial NBA title contender to secure a top-3 pick in the NBA Draft. In 2020, the Golden State Warriors found themselves in that enviable position, having the No. 2 selection after a gap year due to injuries.
The Warriors chose James Wiseman, a decision that still haunts them. Golden State’s front office passed up on future All-Stars such as LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey, not to mention other quality players such as Onyeka Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Desmond Bane, Jaden McDaniels and Payton Pritchard.
ESPN’s Zach Kram is convinced that picking Wiseman remains the “biggest mistake” the Warriors front office has made since the start of the decade.
“If their pick clicked, they could give [Stephen] Curry the boost he needed to return to the Finals and set the franchise up for longer-term success after Curry’s eventual decline,” wrote Kram.
“At least the first part worked out, though in spite of Wiseman, not because of him. The Warriors won the 2021-22 title without the young center, who missed the entire year because of a torn meniscus.”
Warriors Lost Faith in Wiseman
“Wiseman was raw, inexperienced and a defensive liability, and his injuries didn’t help him learn how to play in the Warriors’ unique system. The next season, Golden State dealt Wiseman for Gary Payton II, who was undrafted but a much better bet to earn Steve Kerr’s trust.”
The report acknowledged that the Warriors did not get enough opportunities to work out players in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, they had to rely heavily on college footage and scouting reports, which may have clouded their judgment. Yet, it’s undeniable that the Wiseman selection continues to haunt them six years later.
“Six years later, the Warriors are stuck trying to eke out more wins while Curry is still near his peak, because there is no more succession plan in Golden State,” wrote Kram.
Hali Wanted to Join Warriors
Tyrese Haliburton was drafted as the 12th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings. After a season and a half with the team, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers, a move that proved beneficial for everyone involved. Haliburton has since established himself as a perennial All-NBA and All-Star player. Most recently, he led the Pacers to their first appearance in the NBA Finals in 2025.
The point guard wanted to join the Warriors, but was disappointed that he didn’t go to the Bay Area, especially after he worked out with the franchise in a private gym.
In a 2023 interview with The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, Hali explained why he was both surprised and saddened to get passed up on by Golden State.
“I was disappointed that they (had) the No. 2 pick because I felt like if they were anywhere out of the top three, I felt like I was going to be the pick,” he said.
“That workout [with Golden State] was like the best workout probably of my life. [I] felt like I shot the cover off the ball. But I understood at the time there was no way they were going to take me at 2.”
Former Warriors GM Bob Myers admitted in 2023 that he and head coach Steve Kerr made an error in judgment by not selecting Haliburton.
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