Warriors boss Steve Kerr optimistic about James Wiseman’s development

Golden State Warriors’ rookie from Memphis, James Wiseman has had a mixed bag season in the NBA till now. The young center was slotted right in the starting lineup since joining the Warriors this season. Despite all the inconsistent performances playing with the likes of Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Steph Curry day in day out has helped him in his development. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr feels that the youngster needs time and also gave examples of legends like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett.

Kerr spoke about Wiseman recently and how the Warriors can’t rush his development. He explained how giving him more minutes is not the solution. Kerr also gave examples of Bryant and Garnett who never got the full exposure of college basketball.

“We can’t rush it, we can’t force-feed him. It’s just going to take some time. That’s really par for the course for players who have been in James’ shoes in the past. Highly touted prospects who didn’t have a college experience, whether it’s Kobe (Bryant) or Kevin Garnett, or guys like that. It was the same thing.”

Kerr highlighted how people had doubts over Bryant’s potential and development as well and he had some disappointing outings in his rookie season. Therefore he added how Wiseman’s performances this season should not be judged overall as they are looking to work on his improvement.

“After Kobe’s couple of airballs in the playoffs against Utah in his rookie year, I don’t know if we could have said ‘that guy is going to be a top-five player all-time’. So, all this stuff, it just takes time and reps. We just have to be patient and keep working with James every day, and he’s going to get better as he goes.”

Wiseman has already shown that he has the abilities and even his numbers are pretty solid this season. If the Warriors keep their trust in the youngster and give him time, then he can shine like a star player for them in future. If the Warriors and Kerr can add more strong pieces in the team around the youngster then he can open up more and express himself.