The Golden State Warriors are entering what could be a make-or-break season for the franchise. With the core of their dynasty intact, led by future Hall of Famers like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors are once again positioned to contend for an NBA championship. However, this season comes with a unique set of challenges and uncertainties, not least of which is the development of their younger talent. Among the emerging stars is one player who, according to Evan Giddings on the *Willard and Dibs* radio show, has the potential to derail the Warriors’ season if not handled properly: James Wiseman.
Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, was once viewed as the cornerstone of the Warriors’ future. At 7’0″ with an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and skill, he seemed like the perfect piece to eventually succeed the aging Green as the defensive anchor and potentially become a dominant force in the post. His potential was undeniable. Yet, as the Warriors’ 2023-24 campaign approaches, there are growing concerns that Wiseman’s development, or lack thereof, could become a distraction that derails the team’s title aspirations.
The Warriors have long been known for their ability to develop talent, even when that talent doesn’t immediately fit into the system. Curry, Thompson, and Green were all developed within the Warriors’ culture, rising to greatness not through immediate stardom, but through a combination of patience, skill development, and a system that accentuates their strengths. Wiseman was supposed to follow a similar trajectory, but his time in Golden State has been fraught with inconsistencies and missed opportunities.
To understand the significance of Giddings’ comments, it’s important to first examine the Warriors’ strategy over the last few years. The team has gone through a delicate balancing act between maintaining its championship window and integrating young players into the fold. During their championship runs, the Warriors were known for their ability to mix established veterans with rising talents. In recent years, however, it’s become clear that while the Warriors have succeeded in winning titles, their developmental pipeline hasn’t yielded the results they anticipated. Wiseman, along with Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, represents the next wave of Warriors talent. But while Kuminga and Moody have shown flashes of their potential, Wiseman’s journey has been far rockier.
Wiseman’s first season was plagued by injuries. After playing just three games in college for Memphis, he was thrust into an NBA season that was already complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the NBA’s strict health protocols. The Warriors’ decision to bring him along slowly was both smart and necessary, but it also meant that he missed a lot of the early stages of development that other young players had access to. Wiseman was given opportunities to play, but his minutes were limited, and he wasn’t able to find his rhythm with the team. The season was a wash for him in many ways, and it left the Warriors scrambling for answers.
Then came the 2021-22 season, a year where the Warriors rediscovered their championship form and went on to win their fourth title in eight years. Wiseman, however, remained on the sideline recovering from a meniscus injury that would keep him out for the entirety of the season. The Warriors won a title without him, and by the time the 2022-23 season rolled around, the team was already operating at a different level. Wiseman’s injury recovery and his subsequent lack of playing time in the previous seasons meant that he was once again playing catch-up. Though his skills were evident, he wasn’t able to find consistent minutes in the rotation, especially with the team’s championship core still intact and competing at a high level.
This leads to the current situation where, according to Giddings, Wiseman’s development could become a significant distraction for the Warriors. The team is entering the 2023-24 season with a full roster, including a core that knows exactly what it takes to win. The Warriors will be relying on the leadership of Curry, Thompson, and Green, but they also need the younger players to step up and contribute when called upon. With Wiseman, however, there’s a sense of uncertainty hanging over him. The question is whether he can fit into the Warriors’ system, whether his immaturity or inconsistency will be a point of contention, and whether his development will become a distraction to the broader goal of competing for another championship.
There are several factors contributing to this concern. First, Wiseman’s fit within the Warriors’ system has always been in question. Golden State’s offense relies heavily on spacing, ball movement, and shooting, and while Wiseman is an athletic big man, he hasn’t yet shown the ability to consistently impact games in these areas. His shooting remains a work in progress, and while he has the physical tools to be an elite rim protector, his defensive awareness has been inconsistent.
Additionally, Wiseman’s understanding of the Warriors’ fast-paced offense and complex defensive schemes has been a challenge. Golden State’s system demands a high basketball IQ and the ability to adapt quickly. Players like Green, Curry, and Thompson are able to thrive in this system because they understand the nuances of the game and can make decisions quickly. Wiseman, on the other hand, has often appeared overwhelmed by the complexity of the Warriors’ system, especially in terms of defensive rotations and offensive spacing. His decision-making, particularly when the game speeds up, has been a notable area of concern.
Another point that cannot be ignored is Wiseman’s mental approach to the game. Having been touted as the future of the Warriors franchise when he was drafted, there is an immense amount of pressure on him to live up to expectations. While his teammates and the coaching staff have remained supportive, it’s possible that the weight of those expectations has contributed to his struggles. When players fail to live up to their potential, it often creates tension within the locker room. In the case of the Warriors, this could be especially problematic given the championship window they’re in. Every season is precious, and if Wiseman becomes a point of contention or causes distractions, it could negatively impact the cohesion of the team.
Perhaps the most significant factor in all of this is the pressure Wiseman feels to prove himself. It’s easy to forget that the Warriors’ championship core is aging, and the window to win more titles is shrinking. Curry, Thompson, and Green are all well into their 30s, and the Warriors can’t afford to waste any more seasons. With each passing year, the expectations for Wiseman grow, but so too does the pressure. If he continues to underperform, it may lead to frustration within the organization. That frustration could potentially spill over into the media, the locker room, and, ultimately, the team’s performance on the court.
Another complicating factor is Wiseman’s contract. As a top pick, he is still on his rookie deal, but that contract is fast approaching its conclusion. The Warriors will need to decide whether to pick up his option or extend him in the near future. Given his lack of consistent production and the fact that he has yet to prove he can be a major contributor to a championship team, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be part of the team’s long-term future. This uncertainty could become a distraction, especially if Wiseman continues to struggle with his development or if the team is forced to make tough decisions about his future.
The potential for Wiseman to derail the Warriors’ season lies in a number of factors: his ability to adjust to the Warriors’ system, his development as a player, his mental approach to the game, and the pressure to succeed. It is clear that the Warriors need Wiseman to become a legitimate contributor if they hope to win another title, but they also need him to be a mature, team-first player who understands his role. If he cannot make those adjustments, or if he becomes a source of frustration for the team, it could prove detrimental to the Warriors’ season.
Ultimately, the Warriors’ season hinges on their ability to integrate their young players while maintaining the cohesion of the championship core. Wiseman has all the tools to be a valuable piece of the puzzle, but whether or not he can fulfill his potential remains to be seen. As the 2023-24 season unfolds, the Warriors’ ability to manage Wiseman’s development and ensure that he doesn’t become a distraction will be a critical factor in determining their success. The pressure is on, and Wiseman’s role in the coming season could very well shape the course of the Warriors’ championship aspirations.
