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Warriors’ James Wiseman says adversity made him stronger

James Wiseman Warriors

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The last three years did not go well for Golden State Warriors third-year big James Wiseman. Wiseman played three games in Memphis before the NCAA ruled him ineligible and then experienced many ups and downs during his rookie year in San Francisco.

Wiseman missed part of his rookie season and the whole sophomore year in the NBA with a serious meniscus injury. But now, he’s ready to come back after experiencing many setbacks in his recovery.

The high-flying big has come away with a positive outlook as he revealed in an interview with C.J. Holmes of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“Just experience, going through adversity, it teaches you a lot. It basically draws you closer to yourself. I’m not afraid to be myself anymore. I’m happy about everything I’ve gone through because it’s molded me into the person I am today.”

Wiseman will be at 100 percent health at the start of the new season but he’s expected to be a back-up for the Warriors. Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft one spot ahead of Rookie of the Year and All-Star LaMelo Ball.

Wiseman was up and down when he did play, averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while struggling with efficiency. He only stayed in the court for 39 games before suffering a meniscus tear.

“I feel like the odds are stacked against me every day just because of my injuries. I’ve had so many setbacks where now I feel like I have to play catch-up. But that’s why I’m just being patient with myself. I’m just trying to figure everything out, that’s really it.”

The Warriors won the 2022 NBA title without Wiseman but a potential stride in his career will solidify the Warriors big men rotation ahead of the 2022-23 season as the team is preparing to defend its title.

 

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