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Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman is ramping up his injury rehab and is eyeing a return at the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
Warriors summer-league coach Seth Cooper also told reporters that the team wants Wiseman to participate in as many practices as possible instead of suiting up for this weekend’s California Classic so he’ll be ready for games in Las Vegas.
Action tips off in Vegas next Thursday. The Warriors are also expecting Jonathan Kuminga and Patrick Baldwin Jr. to play in summer-league games.
The news comes after Slater and Shams Charania reported that Wiseman received a plasma-rich injection to promote healing in his injured right knee in April and there was optimism within the Warriors organization that he could return during summer-league action.
Wiseman missed the entire 2021-22 campaign because of the knee ailment, and it was a tough blow to the Dubs after he put together a solid rookie season in 2020-21.
The 2020 second overall pick averaged 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 39 games while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor. He started 27 of those 39 games and was expected to take on a larger role in 2021-22 before suffering the knee injury.
With Wiseman sidelined, the Warriors rotated Kevon Looney and Nemanja Bjelica at center. Draymond Green also saw time at the position, though he’s mostly been used as a forward throughout his career.
Even without Wiseman, the Warriors won the 2022 NBA title with Klay Thompson back from a pair of devastating injuries and a healthy Stephen Curry. It was an impressive victory for Golden State, which was one of the worst teams in the league just a few short years ago due to injuries.
That said, the Warriors should be just as good in 2022-23, especially with the expected return of Wiseman. Golden State, along with the Los Angeles Clippers, owns the best odds to win the 2023 title at +550, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
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