Programming notes: Watch James Wiseman and the Santa Cruz Warriors take on the South Bay Lakers tonight at 7pm at NBC Sports Bay Area and stream on the MyTeams or NBC Sports apps.
James Wiseman’s third NBA season A surprising but necessary turn This week Warriors decided to draft him A Santa Cruz G-League affiliate.
Weisman, who is finally healthy, has been unable to find a consistent role with the Warriors this season and has struggled when playing.
So after the Warriors beat the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, coach Steve Kerr announced Weisman will spend at least 10 days with Santa Cruz.
Weisman has a lot to work on, but ESPN NBA analyst Zach Lowe highlighted two specific areas where he hopes the 7-foot center can improve.
“So Jordan Poole said, ‘Go and shoot as much as you want,’ but in that sense, the G League is easier to guard than big men,” Lowe said Tuesday on NBA Today. “Guards can bring the ball and shoot. I don’t think James Wiseman has to work on shooting every shot he wants. I don’t think he’s going to be able to integrate into the Warriors.” I think he needs to work on two things if he wants to.” No. 1 is the pick and roll defense. An easy pocket pass too. He has the wrong angles and footwork. Everything you frankly expect.
“And the second is the pass. I don’t want him to shoot every shot he wants. I want him to be fine as a passer. A bold pass to the backdoor cutter and some Try the no-look pass of Try some.The one that gets you into the Warriors’ fast-moving play.Because that’s another weakness in his game.They’re going to need him one day.Kendra As said, he needs a rep. He won’t get the right rep. Now.”
In 11 games for the Warriors this season, Weisman is averaging 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 13.4 minutes.
Weisman won’t be his first stint in the G League, as he played two games last season while rehabbing a surgically repaired knee.
Wiseman’s first chance to tackle a game comes Saturday night when the Sea Dubs host the South Bay Lakers at the Kaiser Permanente Arena.
Related: Weisman is ‘on his head’, says anonymous NBA coach
Santa Cruz will play back-to-back on the road at the Salt Lake City Stars on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is unclear if Wiseman will appear in either match or both.
