Before James Wiseman even set foot on an NCAA pitch, he was considered one of the best prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft. And even though he only appeared in three college games, he’s still at that level.
The 7-foot, 1,235-pound center is easily a Top 5 talent, with his dynamic playing style fitting into today’s NBA game in the paint. Whether it’s throwing opponents’ shots into the stands or running across the floor for a transition dunk, Wiseman has the knack to do it all and really make an impact for a team right after being drafted.
With the Knicks owning the No. 8 in this year’s NBA Draft, it is almost certain that the current position will not bring Wiseman. But they have the project capital to potentially make a trade. And SNY’s Ian Begley heard the Knicks discussed the potential to do just that.
According to Begley, the people in the organization are fans of both LaMelo Ball and Wiseman, two players who could be options if they trade.
Everything about Wiseman is intriguing if you are an NBA team. His athletic ability and speed do not match his size at all. It is also extremely nimble, which means it doesn’t just have to stay in the paint and protect the rim. He can transform into someone who can stand guard outside on the perimeter if needed.
In attack, Wiseman uses his speed in transition and can really get on and off the floor quickly. Even when he has the ball he has solid hands around the circle and is a great finisher. A southpaw, Wiseman features a pull-up jumper instead of post-up moves, but there’s certainly time for him to develop a more consistent one on the outside near the arch.
The Knicks have Mitchell Robinson in his place and believe they have found success in the second round in 2018 because his athletic prowess has been in full view. But Wiseman is even more lucid than Robinson entered the league, and many believe his ceiling is skyrocketing.