"He’s a freaking athlete, he’s 7’1" and he can defend and protect the rim" - Sam Mitchell backs former #2 pick to start for Golden State Warriors in 2022-23 season

James Wiseman showed glimpses of his potential in just 39 games of his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors. The former No. 2 pick of the 2020 NBA draft went down with a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly two years.

After 456 days, Wiseman returned to action in the Summer League against the San Antonio Spurs. The lanky big man played only 20 minutes but displayed the kind of skills that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Former player and coach Sam Mitchell, who covered the game for NBA TV, heaped praise on Wiseman.

“I think the sky’s the limit...He’s gonna have to be in the starting lineup because he’s a freaking athlete. He’s 7’1", and he can defend and protect the rim, and he’s gonna get better on those switches and keeping those guards in front.”

Mitchell added:

“The thing that he can do better than the other bigs of Golden State is he can score. He has range and he has depth on his shots and he has some low post moves … By the start of training camp for next season, I expect James Wiseman at some point to be the starting center of the Golden State Warriors.”

In the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors' most glaring shortcoming was the absence of a vertical threat. A healthy James Wiseman could address that concern.

Before his injury, the skilled big man caused plenty of problems with his forays to the basket and ability to protect the rim.

The Memphis University showed flashes of his best on his return against the Spurs. Within two minutes, he had a highlight-reel alley-oop dunk, swatted a shot away and made a long-range effort.

If he can produce consistent numbers for the main team, Steve Kerr will be more than happy to give him a starting role.

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Should James Wiseman start over Kevon Looney for the Golden State Warriors?

James Wiseman could play himself into the starting center role before next season is over. [Photo: MassLive.com]

"J-Wise" started in 27 of the 39 games he played in his rookie season before going down with injury. So being in the starting lineup will not be a new experience for him. The Warriors, however, may look to be cautious with him.

At the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors will likely use him off the bench. He could start after a few games depending on whether his body holds up.

Kevon Looney played in all 82 games last season, starting in 80. He played a vital role in the postseason as well, which is why the Golden State Warriors awarded him a new contract. Looney's presence will allow the Warriors to avoid rushing Wiseman back into the fold.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, James Wiseman will add a new dimension to the Bay Area.