Former Golden State Warriors big man James Wiseman has signed a two-year contract with the Indiana Pacers, according to reports. Wiseman is expected to start as the team’s third-string big man and will need to work hard to earn his playing time on a team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
Selected as the Warriors’ second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Wiseman struggled to make an impact due to injuries, playing in only 84 games before being traded to the Detroit Pistons. Despite getting more playing time with the Pistons, Wiseman failed to secure a long-term spot on the team, leading him to become a free agent this summer.
At 23 years old, Wiseman still has time to grow and develop in the NBA. With the help of coach Rick Carlisle, it is possible that Wiseman will reach his full potential with the Pacers. His abilities as a lob threat may secure him a spot in Indiana’s rotation.
Even though Wiseman’s future in Indiana may be uncertain, it is unlikely that staying with the Warriors would have changed his current trajectory. It remains to be seen if Wiseman will be able to turn things around with his new team.