Full Two-Round NBA Mock Draft Pre-March Madness
By Dallin Duffy
Pick Analysis. Golden State Warriors. player. 41. Scouting Report. C, Memphis. James Wiseman. 1
The Warriors are not your everyday team with the #1 pick. They’re still a contender when healthy, something they’ve been far from this year. Klay Thompson will likely miss the entire season, while Steph Curry’s return from a broken hand is still a few games away.
Next year, they’ll likely be closer to getting the #1 seed in the West than the #1 pick, and hitting on this pick would only help that cause.
Wiseman, the 7’1 teenager, played just three games with the Memphis Tigers before announcing his departure. The leave came amid his ongoing battle with the NCAA regarding eligibility issues, and during a 12-game suspension.
He’s maintained his status as a top pick despite not playing since early November, and not many prospects have a higher ceiling than Wiseman.
The 18-year-old is an incredible athlete, and a great defender for his age. He should be able to step into the NBA and protect the rim from day one. He blocked nine total shots in the three games he played for Memphis. Concerns around his lack of a jumper still surround Wiseman, and his lack of court time this season rids any chance of scouts seeing that improve until the combine.
The Warriors’ lone weakness during their run of five straight Finals appearances was the lack of a big man, and Wiseman could put them right back on the map as top tier contenders.