Where’s the ceiling for James Wiseman? If the rookie can even approach the same stratosphere as two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Warriors will accept it.
OK, OK, he’s only been four games in his NBA career. But in Tuesday night’s 116-106 win over the Detroit Pistons, the No. 2 overall pick in the fourth quarter shone the ability of the Greek Freak. While the Warriors had a four-point lead and were less than seven minutes ahead, Wiseman Mason Plumlee swung at the free-throw line before collecting the ball, driving down the court, crossing a defender and slap a dunk home.
“His ‘Giannis Play’ was also impressive, in transition,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.
If you see the 7-foot Wiseman moving like that, there are not many other comparisons to make. Steph Curry said he also got Giannis vibes when he saw Wiseman slipping in court.
“It did look like a Giannis-type situation,” Curry said. “It was incredible. I think he’s really starting to figure out when to be aggressive.”
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Kerr and Curry know greatness when they see it. Granted, it was just one play, but Wiseman’s potential is running out.
Wiseman finishes with six points and six rebounds and is limited to single-digit points in both of the Warriors’ victories this young season. But he impressed early on with his maturity, shooting from three points and athletics.
It’s easy to talk about Wiseman’s high-flying theater on Tuesday, but he also deserves credit for staying disciplined on defense. Wiseman did not take the bait on some tough pump fakes several times during the second half and kept his footing to force uncomfortable shots. He ended the night with two blocks.
“James had a very good stretch in the fourth, with his size and his presence in the paint, for the first time in the four games,” Kerr said. ‘It seemed like he kind of knew what his job was – to protect the edge and not get dirty. … I thought he had his best defensive period of the season in his fourth quarter. He made really great plays. ”
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Wiseman also conceded for the first time in his career after 22 minutes of play. No worries for the Dubs. They won and Wiseman’s future looks bright.
“He was very disappointed because he got out of the way,” Kerr said. “You know, he’s just a kid and he’s just learning. It’s just amazing to look at someone who is young, with so little experience at the university level, no summer league, no training camp.
‘To see how ready he is, how much he wants to learn, how much he listens without being criticized or judged. He is past his years from a maturity point of view. ‘