I remember watching James Wiseman during his lone season at Memphis and thinking this kid was going to change the game. Standing at 7 feet tall with the mobility of a guard, he seemed destined for NBA stardom. Fast forward to today, and his career has taken more twists than a playoff series. After being drafted second overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2020, injuries and fit issues derailed what many thought would be a smooth transition to professional basketball. Now, as he navigates yet another chapter with the Detroit Pistons, I can't help but wonder—what does James Wiseman's basketball future really look like after these recent setbacks?
When I look at Wiseman's situation, I'm reminded of something Rondae Hollis-Jefferson recently said about player development: "So understanding where guys thrive and how to put them in the best situations to be successful, I think, will help us." This statement resonates deeply with Wiseman's case. The Warriors system, while successful for established stars, never quite provided the right environment for a raw talent like Wiseman to flourish. In Golden State, he averaged just 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds across 60 games—numbers that don't reflect his potential. The constant pressure to perform immediately on a championship-contending team, combined with limited playing time, created what I believe was the worst possible scenario for his development.
Now in Detroit, the narrative should be different, but results remain mixed. Through 42 games with the Pistons last season, he put up 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game—better, but still not what you'd expect from a former number two pick. Watching him play, I've noticed he still struggles with defensive positioning and court awareness, areas that typically improve with consistent minutes. The Pistons are rebuilding, which theoretically gives Wiseman the opportunity he needs, but I'm concerned he might be developing bad habits in a losing environment.
What strikes me most about Wiseman's journey is how crucial proper development systems are for young big men. Looking at successful big man development stories—Joel Embiid sitting out his first two seasons to develop properly, or Jaren Jackson Jr.'s gradual improvement in Memphis—the common thread is patience and tailored development plans. Wiseman has played only 84 total NBA games across three seasons due to various setbacks. That's fewer than many second-year players have under their belts. When you compare his 1,812 total minutes played to Mobley's 2,893 minutes in just his rookie season, the development gap becomes starkly apparent.
The financial aspect can't be ignored either. Wiseman is earning $12.1 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract. For perspective, that's more than proven rotation players like Bruce Brown and Alex Caruso. Given his production, I'm skeptical teams will line up to offer him a significant contract next summer unless something dramatically changes. He's essentially playing for his NBA future right now, and that pressure can't be easy for a 22-year-old.
International basketball might offer an interesting alternative path. The EASL (East Asia Super League) has been attracting former NBA talents who thrive in systems better suited to their skills. Hollis-Jefferson's comment about understanding where players thrive takes on new meaning here. In a less physically demanding league with different defensive schemes, Wiseman's athleticism could dominate. I could see him averaging 20 and 10 for a team in China or Turkey, rebuilding his confidence away from the NBA spotlight. Sometimes stepping back is the best way to move forward.
What gives me hope are flashes of the player he can become. I rewatched his 23-point, 13-rebound performance against San Antonio last March, and the potential was undeniable. His ability to run the floor at his size is special, and when he's confident, his mid-range jumper looks smooth. The tools are there—they've just been buried under injuries, pressure, and questionable development choices.
If I were advising him, I'd suggest focusing on one or two skills this offseason rather than trying to fix everything at once. Maybe work exclusively on defensive rotations and developing a reliable hook shot. Per 36 minutes, he's averaging 18.2 points and 11.6 rebounds—the production is there in bursts. He needs consistent coaching that believes in his timeline rather than expecting immediate returns.
The reality is that Wiseman's basketball future likely won't follow the trajectory we imagined when he was drafted. But that doesn't mean it's over. The league is full of players who found their way after early struggles. Sometimes it takes the right system, the right coach, or the right mindset. For Wiseman's sake, I hope he finds all three soon, because watching talent not reach its potential is one of the toughest things about following this sport. His story isn't written yet, and despite the setbacks, I haven't completely given up on the possibility that James Wiseman could still become the player we once thought he'd be.
