Warriors: Top 3 prospects to target in the 2020 NBA Draft
By Allen Settle
2. James Wiseman, C, Memphis
James Wiseman was the No. 1 pick in my most recent first-round mock draft. I, like many, are intrigued by his size and potential skill set.
While the 7-foot-1 big man has excellent length with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, he also has a slighter frame at just 235 pounds. However, the 18-year-old has plenty of time to grow and build muscle.
His smaller size has also allowed him to display incredible movement and athleticism for a player of his size.
The last generation of NBA big men were tall, lumbering, and looked awkward when they ran at full speed. However, the new breed of NBA player processes an unprecedented level of overall athleticism.
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Superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis are able to do things that past seven-footers could only dream of. While I am not comfortable saying Wiseman is the next version of Antetokounmpo or Davis, he does display a similar grace and athleticism in his movement.
After he adds a bit more muscle, Wiseman will have all the tools of a difference-making rim-runner and defender. This would be the perfect type of talent to play alongside Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Imagine the big man playing an enhanced version of the JaVale McGee role. He would have no issues building chemistry as a rim protector and lob finisher.
One site compared the former Memphis star to Portland Trail Blazers starter Hassan Whiteside. This feels like an excellent player comp.
There is also a valuable added bonus in the fact that Wiseman shouldn’t carry any of the attitude baggage as his NBA counterpart. He also has significantly more overall upside.