Seven centers who could hint at Wiseman's Warriors future
How do you project what a 19-year-old big man will do in his rookie season, after playing just three games in his collegiate career? Well, it surely will not be easy.After being picked No. 2 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, 7-foot-1 center James Wiseman now carries the load of high expectations on his strong shoulders.Unlike most franchises that select at the top of the draft, the Warriors will be expected to reach the playoffs, even after the loss of Klay Thompson to a torn Achilles tendon. Usually a young, highly drafted center would have plenty of playing time to learn on the fly for a poor team. His mistakes would be teaching moments, and his confidence would not be shattered by being relegated to the bench.For Wiseman, the stakes are different. Expected defensive miscues will not be easily accepted, and he will not have the freedom to shoot at will. Instead, he will have to play in a role that highlights his best and most matured skills, which most likely will be limited at such a young and raw age.The comparisons therefore to contemporary NBA star centers in their rookie seasons should not be considered apples-to-apples. However, they could give a sense of how quickly some excelled.
18.3 PPG, 54% FG, 34% 3PT, 10.5 REB, 2 AST, 0.7 BLK
Towns averaged just 10 points per game as a freshman at University of Kentucky, but his skills were undeniable. Most did not expect him to come in so polished and dominant on the offensive end immediately. But playing time and the freedom to play through mistakes helped KAT turn into an elite weapon from the center position. There were hopes for Towns to become a solid defensive big man, but that side of his game never fully developed.
13.5 PPG, 52% FG, 8.2 REB, 1 AST, 1.8 BLK
In his rookie season, Davis put up statistics that might not jump off the page, but in watching his confidence and skill, it was clear that he was going to be a very special player. The way he moved for a man his size, and the fluidity in his game were obvious. The Warriors can only hope to see that potential out of Wiseman in his rookie year.
16.3 PPG, 59% FG, 10.3 REB, 1.8 AST, 0.9 BLK
After scoring over 20 points per game in his only season at University of Arizona, the expectations were high for Ayton to come into the NBA with more refined offensive skills than Towns or Davis. His back to the basket abilities, and his size and strength helped him put up solid statistics his first year. Concerns about his defense in college, as expected, did not improve in the NBA.
11.5 PPG, 46% FG, 36% 3PT, 7.4 REB, 1.0 AST, 1.4 BLK
Bosh is the comp that Wiseman has gotten for a few years now, as both are skilled lefty big men. However, the differences at this point are apparent. Bosh came into the NBA as a power forward with a much more polished offensive game and a confident mid-range jumper. Wiseman also is three inches taller than Bosh, with a wider frame entering the league.
Bosh's first year numbers resemble more of a stretch power forward, rather than a center, so the statistical comparisons are probably not fair.
But by the end of the career, Bosh became one of the best defenders from the center position, and was able to hit a corner 3-pointer with ease, two skills that the Warriors can dream that Wiseman develops.
20.2 PPG, 47% FG, 37% 3PT, 7.8 REB, 2.1 AST, 2.5 BLK
The numbers are pretty incredible for a rookie season, but the difference between Embiid and the other centers on this list is the fact that it was not his first year in the league. Embiid spent two seasons rehabbing injuries, and was able to train and develop the physical physique we see now, during that time.
Like Blake Griffin, who started his career rehabbing and training before actually playing any games, Embiid clearly was comfortable and ready for NBA action when he was activated, and the statistics reflect that. Wiseman almost assuredly will not approach a season like this in his first year.
7.9 PPG, 61% FG, 7.6 REB, 0.5 AST, 1.6 BLK
Drummond entered the NBA as an offensively raw project, with the size and strength to be a defensive monster. That is exactly what the Detroit Pistons got out of him in his rookie year. Drummond showed great rebounding and shot blocking skills, and provided an above-the-rim lob threat. These are three skills that the Warriors hope to get out of Wiseman in his first year.
12 PPG, 52% FG, 10 REB, 0.9 AST, 1.7 BLK
Howard came to the NBA out of high school, so he never had a year in college to develop. But since Wiseman only played three games at University of Memphis, the difference is not as exaggerated. The Warriors might hope to get exactly what Howard gave the Orlando Magic in his rookie season.
Howard brought elite athleticism to the center position, with a youthful energy on the defensive end and rim crushing dunks on the other. Wiseman might actually be more polished offensively than Howard during his rookie season, so the Warriors might be in luck when it comes to emulating, if not bettering, Howard's first year.
