Warriors rookie center James Wiseman had a turbulent season in Golden State, and to add insult to multiple injuries, he was left off both NBA All-Rookie teams.
Here are the 10 rookies who did earn the honor. Considering that Wiseman was the No. 2 overall choice in the NBA Draft, his failure to make either the first or second team is certainly noteworthy from any angle.
Also, note that these teams are positionless. Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart plays center on occasion, but there are no true centers on either team.
That’s a built-in excuse for Wiseman; it generally takes centers longer to develop. There are other factors as to why Wiseman fell short of this accomplishment. He had a season-ending injury just as he was looking at his best, and before that, he went from starter to reserve to starer again, had health-protocol issues that caused him to miss games and had a wrist injury as well.
But Wiseman impressed when he was out there. He averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebound per game, shooting 51.9 percent from the field. He played just 39 games, however. Plus, the Warriors were less efficient when he was on the floor, and that could have hurt his chances on being All-Rookie, too.
It should be remembered, however: this award isn’t a make or break honor. Warriors forward Eric Paschall made the All-Rookie team last year and is now a fringe player on coach Steve Kerr’s roster. Wiseman’s primary concern for now is to rehab his torn meniscus and start making progress toward team and individual goals, now that Rookie of the Year is officially off the table.
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