2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 6.0: Coronavirus halts NBA season
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James Wiseman Center, United States
19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals, 3.0 blocks, 77% fg, 0% 3pt, 23 mpg
The Warriors have every position filled except for the five, and the logical next step appears to be to either trade the selection in a package for a star or to take a center. James Wiseman is the clear-cut best big in the draft, as his frame and two-way abilities separate him from the pack. His jumper is not exactly where it needs to be yet, but his mechanics look very smooth and promising.
With Golden State, Wiseman would have the opportunity to focus on playing stifling defense and developing his offensive game without the pressures of being a volume scorer as a young player.
James Wiseman’s situation with Golden State is an extremely interesting one, as it is not often that first overall picks land with contenders. The last time something like this happened was the 1997 NBA Draft, in which the San Antonio Spurs were able to take Tim Duncan first overall after losing David Robinson and other key pieces to injury.
The year before, the Spurs had won 59 games with their star-studded team. Very similarly, Golden State sustained injuries to Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry this season, while winning 57 games in 2018-2019. Wiseman is very unlikely to develop into a top-ten all-time player like Tim Duncan, Wiseman has the tools to be an elite NBA player. So if you thought the Warriors’ dynasty was over, think again.