James Wiseman underwent surgery Thursday to repair the torn meniscus in his right knee.
The 20-year-old will be sidelined for several months, and the next update of the Warriors will only appear in September.
“He is so promising and so gifted, and we are devastated for him with this injury,” Steve Kerr said Friday afternoon at 95.7 The Game’s “Damon, Ratto & Kolsky” show. “It’s so unfortunate. He had such a difficult interval between the missing training camp, and then the wrist injury and now that.
“But he is a very promising talent and a wonderful young man.”
Wiseman had a rookie season as he was rocked in and out of the starting lineup and did not get the chance to close out many games.
He showed flashes of brilliance, but it’s clear he’s staying pretty raw.
“Big guys take longer to develop than guards – that’s just a fact,” Kerr said. “So when we chose him 100 percent, it was, ‘This guy is really talented and he’s a great kid.’ No matter how long it takes, he is worth choosing.
“And I know we can continue the conversation and say, ‘What about the timeline with Steph? [Curry and Draymond [Green] and Klay [Thompson] and what does it mean. “And those are valid questions.
“Can we get James going fast to adjust the timeline with our three boyfriend years? And that’s a great question. And we do not know what the answer is. But if you go a concept and see someone who possibly a generation of talent, then it’s a decision you have to make. ‘
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Shortly afterwards, the following back and forth occurred:
Nick Friedell: “Do you feel like you know enough about James where you’re standing at the table and say, ‘Hey guys, he’s 20, we’re seeing the talent – let’s keep him out of the possible trade talks. ‘”
Kerr: “Well done. Well played, Nick (laughs). How many people are really untouchable in the NBA when it comes to trade? I do not know. LeBron [James] , Steph and Giannis [Antetokounmpo]? Everyone is negotiable. You never know what’s going to happen.
‘It is [Bob Myers’] work. In this business, you never know how it’s going to play out. But what you appreciate is good young talent. And James is a very, very promising young talent. And we love him on a personal level with his work ethic and maturity. ‘
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