James Wiseman: Prospect Scouting: 2020 NBA Draft

James Wiseman is one of the front-runners to be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft. After a scandal rocked his freshman season at Memphis, Wiseman decided to forego the rest of his season with the Tigers and begin preparing for the 2020 NBA Draft. Since his decision to leave Memphis, people have been questioning whether or not Wiseman is #1 pick worthy. Today, we will see is Wiseman can really be the #1 overall pick.

Strengths

Wiseman is 7 foot 1 and 247 pounds. Most players 7 feet or taller are not the fastest or most athletic people, but Wiseman is. Wiseman has very long arms and is a great athlete, playing above the rim with the likes of Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has a wide variety of post up moves, along with a smooth mid-range jumper. Wiseman uses his explosive athleticism to catch all-oops and power through people down low. To contrast that, he also has a nice left-handed hook in which he gets great elevation.

Wiseman is the new hybrid center. Wiseman has a nice shooting touch, and has shown promise with his mid-range jumpshot. Wiseman has shown the ability to be a good passer in the half court set, and make good outlet passes to start the fast break.

Wiseman could be the next great defensive center as well. He has a great ability to block/alter shots with hit longs arms and good timing.

Weaknesses

Wiseman relies on his left hand in the paint too much. If he gets his right hand up to speed, it will be tough to guard him down low.

If he gets better footwork down low, he will get easier and better looks and avoid turnovers.

Wiseman will probably need to put on some weight when he gets into the league, and get some more muscle to be more physical and opposing.

Comparisons:
Anthony Davis
Taller Chris Bosh

Where Will Wiseman Go?

As of the league being suspended, the Golden State Warriors had the league’s worst record at 15-50. This means that they have the best odds to land the #1 pick. Yes the pick is not guaranteed to go the Warriors, but if it did, it would be perfect for Wiseman. The Warriors have never had an All-Star level center during their dynasty years, and Wiseman could fill the void. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green, all they need is a center, and that role would be perfect for Wiseman. This is the team that needs a center desperately. If Wiseman can be good on defense, it will help an aging Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. Wiseman will not need to score 20 a night with Steph and Klay running the show, giving Wiseman for of a relaxed role. If the Warriors are able to snag Wiseman, then they will be making a playoff push in the 2020-21 season, and they will be a threat in the West.

One mock draft had Wiseman going to the Timberwolves at pick 4. This does make sense as they already have Karl Anthony-Towns as center, and this would likely stunt his growth. The Timberwolves need a center, and they would be wasting their pick on Wiseman.

Another draft has Wiseman going 8th to the Hornets. The Hornets have good young guys like Terry Rozier, Devonte Graham, Miles Bridges and PJ Washington. They still need a center and Wiseman will fill those needs. We will again not be the sole option of offense as they have 4 guys who can score pretty well. Wiseman will likely be the best defensive player of the floor for the Hornets, anchoring down the paint. If the Hornets get Wiseman, they could be an emerging playoff team in the East. The Hornets are also only 400 miles from where Wiseman was born, Nashville, Tennessee.

My Prediction

I think that Wiseman will be a very good player at the next level. But, I think that the Warriors are the obvious choice for Wiseman. The Warriors have experience, depth and have the most legitimate chances of making the playoffs compared to the other teams in the top 10 draft picks.

Please leave a comment on where you think Wiseman will go, and what other college players you want me to break down.