Warriors C James Wiseman cleared to shoot with sprained wrist, says he’ll ‘definitely’ return soon

First, the bad news for Golden State: Warriors rookie phenom, center James Wiseman, won’t play Wednesday night against the Heat.

But the good news is that Wiseman’s time out of action appears to be winding down. He said he’ll definitely be back on the court soon, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic; Wiseman also said there’s still some pain and inflammation in his sprained left (shooting hand) wrist.

James Wiseman said he "definitely" feels like he'll be on the court soon. Pain and inflammation in the left wrist is subsiding. Won't play against the Heat tomorrow, but does sound like the upcoming road trip is a real possibility.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 17, 2021

And here’s the really good news. Though his wrist is still tender, Wiseman has been cleared to shoot and dribble, and he feels good about his jumper despite the layoff, per Slater.

James Wiseman said he's been cleared to shoot/dribble again with that healing left wrist. Said his jumper didn't feel "rusty" while getting shots up. On his return: "It'll be pretty soon. Really soon."

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 17, 2021

You’ve got to love that optimism. Though Draymond Green has filled in magnificently at center in Wiseman’s absence, Golden State needs a healthy Wiseman badly. Coach Steve Kerr says that too much Green at the “5” could tire the three-time NBA champion.

Bonus info: Wiseman isn’t the only center Green has filled in for. Kevon Looney is the starter in the pivot, and he’s missed nearly as much time as Wiseman, after suffering a sprained ankle. Looney will be evaluated for the first time on Thursday, per Slater. Wiseman will be evaluated for the second time the day after.

James Wiseman and Kevon Looney went through some non-contact work early at practice today for the Warriors. Both out tomorrow against the Heat. Re-evaluation for Looney coming Wednesday, Wiseman coming Thursday.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 17, 2021

Golden State is almost at the finish line as far as having no center on the active roster. The club has performed well, going 4-3 in that span. But work isn’t done, starting against the Heat on Wednesday.

(Photo credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)