James Wiseman might be the most talented prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft class.
A top recruit coming out of high school, Wiseman's college career was cut short by an NCAA rule that saw him penalized for money his family received from Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway while Wiseman was still in high school. Hardaway was not the coach at Memphis at the time.
Wiseman's college career ended up lasting three games, a total of 69 minutes. The 7-foot-1 center is an intriguing prospect who has been hurt by a global pandemic that hasn't allowed him to work out for NBA teams in the lottery. He has loads of talent, and he is one of the players the Warriors would like an in-person look at as the NBA draft approaches, according to The Athletic's Anthony Slater.
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"They still hope to be involved in some sort of a draft combine and, if permitted, have several top prospects come to their facility for a private workout," Slater writes. "Wiseman is high atop the list of guys they’d want to scrutinize in person."
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After a 15-50 season that saw the Warriors finish with the worst record in the NBA, president of basketball operations Bob Myers and head coach Steve Kerr have the opportunity to add a talented young piece to a roster that is primed to return to championship contention next season with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson healthy.
There is no generational talent in the 2020 class. Wiseman might be the best of the bunch as an athletic, skilled center with a versatile offensive game and his length can alter shots on the defensive end. Some have questions about Wiseman's ability to stretch the floor in the modern NBA, but his free-throw percentage (70 percent) and fluid jumper could indicate that won't be a problem as his game evolves.
Golden State Warriors
Wiseman, along with Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, are seen as the top of the 2020 class. However, there are a number of other prospects who could pique the Warriors' interest.
Onyeka Okongwu, Tyreese Halliburton and Isaac Okoro are options that have been bandied about in some manner. While one of them might give the 2020-21 Warriors more of a lift, Wiseman, with his ability to run the floor, gobble up rebounds and score in a variety of ways, would be an asset to a title run next season while also giving the Warriors a talented prospect with All-Star upside who can take over once Curry exits his prime.
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The Warriors reportedly have met with Wiseman on Zoom and appear to be very intrigued by the player who was expected to be the No. 1 overall pick when last year's college basketball season began.
Wiseman has been unfairly discarded due to an NCAA infraction that saw his college career cut short. But he's the most talented player in this class, and it won't be a surprise if he brings his talents to the Bay next season.