Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr announced Monday that he was cowardly at what the team called James Wiseman to this point of the season but the former head coach of the year is deeply captivated by how which the rookie has responded to.
Wiseman has made a strong start to his rookie campaign, despite missing the start of training camp and the preseason because of the coronavirus. Through his first three games, Wiseman gains an average of 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and one steal while shooting 83.3% (5-of-6) from 3-point range.
The Warriors believe Wiseman could be a key player this season and have asked the court for a lot. For a player who lost practice and didn’t play in a competitive basketball game in more than a year before joining the Warriors, Wiseman has dispelled any doubts about how he would make the move to the NBA.
“He’s really good and handles it beautifully,” Kerr said. “He is such a keen learner. He does not take coaching in person. He embraces it. He accepts it because he understands that it is all part of the process. There is just so much going on in an NBA game at one time which is why it takes men time to thrive. He is already showing what he can do. This season is in many ways really about understanding what is happening on the floor and being involved. ”
Golden State didn’t get off to a good start this season, going just 1-2 over their first three games. Wiseman has been among the few clear spots so far and will continue to require his representation on the court in the projects that are set to be a difficult year after suffering a number of major injuries.
Wiseman became the youngest hero to start in an opening game from the 1970-71 season and these figures are the first of several awards to reach the 19-year-old this season based on how how successful he was.