The upcoming return of Warriors guard Klay Thompson is big news in Golden State, especially considering the team’s apparent chance to win an NBA title this season.
But Warriors owner Joe Lacob is thinking further ahead than that. He might say “light years” ahead. Golden State aims to win now as it sets itself up for the future with a core of young players.
Perhaps chief among them is center James Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Thompson and Wiseman reportedly spent lots of time together in the offseason, especially as they both rehabbed lower-body injuries. Thompson even told reporters on Tuesday — among many other things in an awesome interview after he finished practice — that he gave Wiseman a book to read in the leadup to this season. Furthermore, he’s instilled confidence in Wiseman for his journey ahead in the NBA.
That’s certainly the idea. Lacob has Wiseman, forward Jonathan Kuminga, and guard Moses Moody as his young puppies. In addition, there’s G Jordan Poole, who is coming into his own in his third season and has taken the NBA by storm.
Thompson is set to return, in a limited fashion, around Christmastime. Per Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, Wiseman’s rehab is a bit behind, but he’s coming along. (Thompson is already fully practicing and scrimmaging.)
Patience is the best tact for Wiseman himself, and it’s ideal for the Warriors, too. He has to be healthy for the long run and be ready to take the torch — along with his young teammates — when Thompson, G Stephen Curry, and F Draymond Green are finally ready to pass it along, bringing Lacob’s grandiose plan to fruition.
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