James Weisman is being sent to Santa Cruz to put some reps on the Warriors’ G League affiliates, he said after Golden State’s 132-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Coach Steve Kerr announced.
The 7-foot-1 center played 9 minutes Warriors win Playing at the Chase Center on Monday, he hadn’t appeared in any of Golden State’s last three games.
“He’s going to Santa Cruz tomorrow and we’re going to keep him there for a long time to get some really good practice time and some games,” Kerr told reporters after the game. “We’re not going to bring him back for one game. We want to give him 10 days in a row. Then we’ll be back.”
After playing 39 games in his rookie year and missing the entire 2021-22 season with a meniscus injury, Weisman returned to the court this season for the first time since April 10, 2021. Warriors have been desperately needed.
Instead, the first few games in his third NBA season seemed like his league journey. It was full of ups and downs.
“We all know something can happen in this league,” Kerr continued. “He’ll find his way back into the rotation one day, but the best thing for him is to play a lot of minutes and get a lot of reps.”
Kerr understands how difficult it is for young players to come out of the rotation, but he believes big men will bounce back stronger.
“It’s really hard. It’s really hard for anyone to get in and out of the lineup, but for a young guy who’s already been through a lot, it’s a lot to go through,” Kerr said. is part of his journey, everyone is different, part of him is that he played very little basketball before he came to the NBA and suffered a major injury. What I love about James is that he has an incredible personality, work ethic and care for the team.
“[He’s] incredible teammate. Before the game, he knew he wouldn’t be in the rotation. [but] he was helping [Kevon] Rooney prepares for the game with Rooney’s workout and protects him. Wise is fully on the team and with his talent and all these traits, I believe he will be a really good player in the long run. ”
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The Warriors have seen great things happen after sending players to Santa Cruz. Jordan Poole is a perfect example of that, and Golden State wants the same as Wiseman.
Through 10 games this season, Wiseman is averaging 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.9 assists.
