Steph helps ease Wiseman back into the fold by offering helpful advice
During Saturday night’s rout of the Thunder, star Warriors guard Stephen Curry was spotted offering helpful advice to second-year player James Wiseman.
Wiseman, coming off a torn meniscus late last season has been cleared for full practice and should be slated to return in the coming weeks.
But for the time being, he is delegated to the bench where he can still be taking mental reps in preparation for his return. Curry, the perennial all-star and 3-time champion known for his somewhat odd style of quiet leadership has taken it upon himself to help Wiseman better understand where he fits in the offense, as all great players do.
During a press conference where Wiseman was asked about the brief conversation the two had on the bench he had this to say, “Steph was just like when you come back that’s gonna be a lob right there”. In reference to a play where Curry drove to the lane, attracted a double team, and dished the ball underneath to Looney for a foul.
With the return of Wiseman to the lineup, he brings a lot of additional athleticism to the center role. He can block shots and catch lobs which will force the defense to have to acknowledge his presence on the floor in the form of playing another 7-footer as opposed to playing small ball.
Wiseman can help the Warriors tremendously in his sophomore season. Keep in mind the kid is only 19, but in his rookie year, he showed flashes of extreme competency around the low block and free throw line. However, I don’t think the Warriors are necessarily looking for him to be an outside threat. His ability to run the floor is something they will likely be focusing on.
When a center is quick, baseline to baseline, it forces the defense to accommodate and play at a higher tempo. A fast tempo is beneficial to the Dubs because it creates chaos and often ends in players getting mismatches and or open shots. Rather than chaotic, I believe the Warriors should play a brand of controlled chaos with an emphasis on exploiting the defensive weaknesses while also taking care of the ball. A point of emphasis this team has struggled with at times.
Nonetheless, Wiseman’s return is a very good sign for this ball club. All he can do is help and with the dubs sitting at the top of the Western Conference at 5-1, it is somewhat comforting to know that they can play this well without ever being at full strength.
(Photo credit: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)