Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman is nearing his return after recovering from a foot surgery.
Wiseman has played three games in the G League as part of his recovery process. The Warriors’ big has been sidelined for almost a year with a meniscus repair.
He followed the same path with Warriors’ superstar Klay Thompson, who got back in action on January after a long two years of injury-adversity.
After the win against the Wizards, where Thompson finished the contest with 20 points, the Dubs superstar shared his happiness for Wiseman’s progress.
“I was so happy for Wise,” Thompson told reporters, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “We’ve been in the gym the whole past summer, just trying to get back on the floor and do what we love. To see him out there playing with joy, running the floor, and playing with confidence, I’m incredibly proud of him for the way he’s handled his rehab and staying patient.”
Wiseman had 18 points in his first game for the Sea Dubs and followed that up with a 19-point outing the next game.
Steve Kerr said the Warriors will exercise patience with the promising center focusing on getting more reps after his first appearance in the G League. Wiseman will retake the floor for the Sea Dubs on Tuesday.
“I was so happy to see him the other night,” Kerr told reporters. “I watched the tape and he just looked happy. It looked like he was excited and moving well. It’s been a long 11 months for him. Thrilled for James that he’s back on the floor. He deserves it.”
Wiseman want to be able to get back with the rest of the team ahead of the 2022 NBA playoffs. The young big will add more size to the Warriors’ frontline, and he may be vital for several matchup pairings against teams with capable bigs.
“Really, just rebounding and defense is what I’m focused on because it’s gonna help the team when I come back. So, that’s what I was focused on this game,” Wiseman said Sunday.
