It takes a lot of maturity to realize when you have to take a step back and figure some things out on your own. James Wiseman, as the 2nd overall pick in last year’s draft, was thrown into the fire immediately. The Warriors had expectations to return to the playoffs, expectations which they didn’t meet, that Wiseman had become a part of. At 19 years old, he was expected to be the player he was drafted to be in 5 years.

It seems that the sophomore has come to that understanding himself - that he may need some more practice to be league-ready - earlier this week. In a post-practice press meeting, Wiseman spoke openly about his desire to spend some time with the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s G-League affiliate.

”I would like to go down there, so I can get sharp physically and mentally” Wiseman told the press. “I’m getting there, so whatever happens with in that time, I’m down for whatever.”

This is a very good sign. The Santa Cruz Warriors is one of the league’s better development affiliates, producing players like Damion Lee, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and contributed heavily to Jordan Poole’s surging second half last season. They follow the Warriors’ franchise values very well, making sure that the guys they receive from the team are best prepared when they return to the NBA level.

Wiseman also said in the interview, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic, that he was feeling closer and closer to 100%. This is good news, as it seems the Warriors have taken on the task of using his injury downtime to improve him as a player. Wiseman’s gotten a decent bit bigger, adding what looks to be a few pounds of muscle, and is doing things like this in practice. He’s also received some coaching from the vets, including a quick review session from Steph Curry during the OKC game where Steph points out a lob opportunity Wiseman would get when he returns to the dunker spot.

Overall, the G-League stint is probably going to be a great opportunity for Wiseman to get some solid reps in before he returns to the Warriors rotation. He fits a hole in the roster that the Warriors need in the middle, and any reps to increase his confidence are for the best before his sophomore debut.

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