James Wiseman ruled out for rest of 2021-22 season

Well, this is the blog post I hoped I’d never have to write again, but here we are.

For the second straight year, Warriors center James Wiseman is out for the rest of Golden State’s season. This time, however, his campaign is over before it started.

We’ve covered the plight of Wiseman extensively at the BASH, as he was the Warriors’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and Golden State is in dire need of frontcourt size. But here’s the latest news from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, putting the final nail in the coffin for Wiseman’s chances to finally get back on the court in 2022.

Wiseman is expected to remain in the Bay Area to continue his rehab — which includes strength and conditioning exercises. There are no plans for more surgery on the knee, sources said. Wiseman played three games in G League this month before swelling in knee sidelined him.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2022

Nobody wants to think worst-case scenario here, but it’s very possible Wiseman will never recover. When he was finally cleared by the Warriors medical staff after multiple setbacks to the repaired MCL in his knee, the joint swelled again after a rehab stint for the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors.

It’s pure speculation. As you know, I’m not a doctor. (Or as I assumed you assumed!)

But for now, the Warriors have to move on and forget about Wiseman for at least the time being. As for any plans for additions at the center spot, coach Steve Kerr said that’s not happening.

This is what Kerr said when asked whether this news would make them rethink the idea of adding an extra big man: “No. I still feel really good about our roster and our situation at center with Draymond (Green), (Kevon) Looney, (Nemanja) Bjelica. (Jonathan Kuminga) can play small-ball five. Otto (Porter Jr.) as well.”

Anthony Slater/The Athletic

At least the Warriors are used to playing without Wiseman, I suppose. This puts a lot of pressure on the above players, mostly forward Draymond Green, though he’s used to playing center at a high level.

Mostly, this is just sad news for Wiseman. He’s had an incredible run of bad luck since he entered the NBA. He’s yet to have a full training camp, for example, due to the pandemic and his injury.

I still have no regrets about the Warriors selecting him. Wiseman is extremely talented. But he has to get on the court to shine, of course. Ideally, the extra, extra time off does his knee some good and the Warriors don’t come up empty-handed with their high draft pick, earned for their awful 2019-20 campaign.