The Warriors may trade this pick in pursuit of a championship. If it stays in Oakland, however, the early favorite is probably James Wiseman. While his career at Memphis was cut short, Wiseman’s reputation as a prospect has been long established. Golden State’s only glaring “need” is center.
Wiseman gives Golden State a dominant interior scorer who should play effortlessly off of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Wiseman hasn’t consistently hit 3s yet, but his frame, touch, and demeanor should translate to plenty of easy points in the paint. There’s not a better system in basketball to develop athletic centers.
On defense, the 7-foot-1 Wiseman projects as a towering rim protector. His instincts and consistency have been maligned in the past, but his physical tools are in line with the NBA’s most formidable centers. His upside as a shot-blocker and defensive anchor is impossible to ignore.