WISEMAN EXPECTATIONS: Year 1

[KevinMcreynolds]

I mean in today's NBA you're not allowed to contest jumpshots and you can't touch anyone. The best a big can do 1v1 is let them take an open jumpshot and hope they miss or bait them into a chase down block.

[FNQ]

Analysis: when not being fired passes at close range, Wiseman hasn't been fumbling the ball. In fact been catching extremely well.

bad reflexes ≠ bad hands

One play stood out last night: Jazz made a crosscourt pass after 20 seconds of great W's defense, the pass was slightly above JW's head. He reacted a little late, misses it, Ingles drains a wide open 3. But JW knew what to do, he saw it unfold, was just a split second behind the play. This kinda stuff is happening all game - he is the literal "the game needs to slow down for him" cliche rolled into a 7' eraserhead.

[Sleepy51]

Analysis: when not being fired passes at close range, Wiseman hasn't been fumbling the ball. In fact been catching extremely well.

bad reflexes ≠ bad hands

One play stood out last night: Jazz made a crosscourt pass after 20 seconds of great W's defense, the pass was slightly above JW's head. He reacted a little late, misses it, Ingles drains a wide open 3. But JW knew what to do, he saw it unfold, was just a split second behind the play. This kinda stuff is happening all game - he is the literal "the game needs to slow down for him" cliche rolled into a 7' eraserhead.

And so much of it has been about how he reacts to contact while trying to catch. He saved at least two flat out bad passes last night with quick hands and reactions, but he wasn't being bumped or challenged for the ball at the time.

If ultimately the problem is "weak" hands. That might stick. He has to be able to catch in traffic.

[Onus]

That wasn’t his fault. They shouldn’t have been switching that. That’s coaching. Especially when it kept happening and it brought the Jazz right back.

Not sure why Kerr didn’t stop that immediately. And that’s on the guard to fight through the screen as well.

No knock on James at all for that.

This is something that wiseman needs to work on. If he proves he can never do it then he becomes solely a drop big which limits how much he can play.

I’m glad he wasn’t giving up 3s to the jazz who live off of 3s. If he can fix his ability to also stay in front even better. Not looking good right now but got to give home time to adjust. He’s looking like he’s trying to match them side to side, he needs to learn to just step back rather going sliding with them.

So just for the record the Jazz area averaging 16.9 3pt made per game. They got 14 against us. It’s not far from their average but it is below the average. To me that at the game plan worked and JW did his part

Yea I agree he was able to execute the game plan by making them drive. I don’t agree with those that think we should change the game plan so that he doesn’t get blown by. His help wasn’t there. But he can also play it better and not just blown by so directly. I have hope that he’ll be better as he goes on.

[FNQ]

Analysis: when not being fired passes at close range, Wiseman hasn't been fumbling the ball. In fact been catching extremely well.

bad reflexes ≠ bad hands

One play stood out last night: Jazz made a crosscourt pass after 20 seconds of great W's defense, the pass was slightly above JW's head. He reacted a little late, misses it, Ingles drains a wide open 3. But JW knew what to do, he saw it unfold, was just a split second behind the play. This kinda stuff is happening all game - he is the literal "the game needs to slow down for him" cliche rolled into a 7' eraserhead.

And so much of it has been about how he reacts to contact while trying to catch. He saved at least two flat out bad passes last night with quick hands and reactions, but he wasn't being bumped or challenged for the ball at the time.

If ultimately the problem is "weak" hands. That might stick. He has to be able to catch in traffic.

IMO, could be one of 2 things:

1) just doesn't have strong hands. However they measure hand size for reasons like this and the guy seems to have fingers like cricket bats, so I dont think this will be it

2) lack of a killer instinct. That ball is his. And once its his, its only his. If you're used to playing friends, HS games, where the smaller kids give up because you're so much bigger, you probably never really had to attack the ball. And if you've only known that style of play, might be hard to shake it.

I'm thinking its #2 and that it will also improve in time. But will it improve in enough time?

[Sleepy51]

Analysis: when not being fired passes at close range, Wiseman hasn't been fumbling the ball. In fact been catching extremely well.

bad reflexes ≠ bad hands

One play stood out last night: Jazz made a crosscourt pass after 20 seconds of great W's defense, the pass was slightly above JW's head. He reacted a little late, misses it, Ingles drains a wide open 3. But JW knew what to do, he saw it unfold, was just a split second behind the play. This kinda stuff is happening all game - he is the literal "the game needs to slow down for him" cliche rolled into a 7' eraserhead.

And so much of it has been about how he reacts to contact while trying to catch. He saved at least two flat out bad passes last night with quick hands and reactions, but he wasn't being bumped or challenged for the ball at the time.

If ultimately the problem is "weak" hands. That might stick. He has to be able to catch in traffic.

IMO, could be one of 2 things:

1) just doesn't have strong hands. However they measure hand size for reasons like this and the guy seems to have fingers like cricket bats, so I dont think this will be it

2) lack of a killer instinct. That ball is his. And once its his, its only his. If you're used to playing friends, HS games, where the smaller kids give up because you're so much bigger, you probably never really had to attack the ball. And if you've only known that style of play, might be hard to shake it.

I'm thinking its #2 and that it will also improve in time. But will it improve in enough time?

The killer thing is not just the difference in his hands, it's the whole ball of wax. There are not good big men who don't enjoy being big. If he doesn't view his physical advantage as something to be imposed on others flat out arrogantly, he's not going to be great. Those big guys who are always sorry for how much room they take up and how their elbows might just happen to get in your ear are not destined for greatness. I talked about this before, but to press any of his physical advantages he has to decide he is happy being a bully.

Mentality aside, the contact reactions thing could also be about balance. Most young big players have terrible balance and when you lose your balance your body has natural inner ear reactions that will compromise the athletic feat you are tryin to perform at the time. I see him losing his balance out there a lot, even on that great spin move finish he made he had lost his balance during the spin.

One offseason of judo or jujitsu and his balance problem (and his bully mentality questions) will be resolved.

[and1GS]

100%

He loses secured ball rebounds and contested rebounds. He also gets called for push in the back offensive rebound fouls. Those all scream lack of assertiveness and lack of recognition of his size to me. Terrible analogy, but those are all things I do when I'm tired, lazy or need to make up a height difference. He seems in great shape and is more than a foot taller than me so I'm thinking it's mentality more than anything.

[ILOVEIT]

Great game from him against Utah (continuance from garbage time at Clippers).

I didn't see him F up once offensively....his touch was very good....fluid....

Let's hope he has a solid game against Lakers.

Coming along

[Mylie10]

Analysis: when not being fired passes at close range, Wiseman hasn't been fumbling the ball. In fact been catching extremely well.

bad reflexes ≠ bad hands

One play stood out last night: Jazz made a crosscourt pass after 20 seconds of great W's defense, the pass was slightly above JW's head. He reacted a little late, misses it, Ingles drains a wide open 3. But JW knew what to do, he saw it unfold, was just a split second behind the play. This kinda stuff is happening all game - he is the literal "the game needs to slow down for him" cliche rolled into a 7' eraserhead.

Steph did the same thing to Gobert. Whipped a one hand pass cross court and Honert had no chance to get his hands up in time. Wiggy for three.

[Mylie10]

I think the lack of aggressiveness at times has more to do with playing against grown men while you are still a teenager. Nothing more, nothing less.

If he gets his core strong next season, he will be feeling himself a bit more than he does at this stage of life. Totally normal.

[ILOVEIT]

Is how well Wiseman progresses really even the point?

No question (IMO) that he will one day be a stud at center. He'll be able to change/block shots and score really well around the rim.

But WHY, in a league where raining 3's is what blows teams out.... spaces the floor...are the Warriors pinning all their hopes on the center position??

If we agree that Shaq, David Robinson....would be less valuable in todays game because they can't switch or guard the 3 point line...then doesn't that also apply to any center today?

I thought Warriors were "light years" ahead? And here we are grooming a project for a position that has decreased in value.

Big guard, SF, Stretch 4....play making guard...these are the dominant positions today.

So we are developing a talented center that will be very good in 3 years all while Curry turns 37? Brilliant.

Bucks and Giannis...will never win a chip. Utah with Goober...never. Denver with the Joker....never. Why is that? Because I don't care how good your center is....[b]a team with a star that either is too slow to switch and guard the 3....or can't shoot the three....will always be a WEAKNESS in the modern game.[/b]

[cdubbz]

Is it too much to expect Wiseman to show us a skill he is good at this season? Doesn't have to be elite at the skill, but give us an idea of his game and what he is just...GOOD at.

For example:
- if he ends the season with last 10 games avg double digit rebounding.

- 3point consistency with more attempts
- defensive rotations

any of it. I would be happy knowing were going into summer with Wiseman showing he's nailed a skill and can do it consistently with potential to still improve

[tarantism]

Is it too much to expect Wiseman to show us a skill he is good at this season? Doesn't have to be elite at the skill, but give us an idea of his game and what he is just...GOOD at.

For example:
- if he ends the season with last 10 games avg double digit rebounding.

- 3point consistency with more attempts
- defensive rotations

any of it. I would be happy knowing were going into summer with Wiseman showing he's nailed a skill and can do it consistently with potential to still improve

I'm sorry, but this is a ridiculous take. He can obviously catch lobs, he has a few post moves, can shoot a face up jumper, has a little handle and can block shots.

None of it is consistent yet, but he's 19! Inexperienced! A rookie! But to say he isn't good at anything is just...asinine.

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[wco81]

If he played at least a year, maybe 2 or 3, he'd have had more experience against players of similar size and ability and maybe he would have come in more refined.

But these days, it's one and done.

[Old_Blue]

If he played at least a year, maybe 2 or 3, he'd have had more experience against players of similar size and ability and maybe he would have come in more refined.

But these days, it's one and done.

Did you mean to say THREE GAMES and done?

[cdubbz]

Is it too much to expect Wiseman to show us a skill he is good at this season? Doesn't have to be elite at the skill, but give us an idea of his game and what he is just...GOOD at.

For example:
- if he ends the season with last 10 games avg double digit rebounding.

- 3point consistency with more attempts
- defensive rotations

any of it. I would be happy knowing were going into summer with Wiseman showing he's nailed a skill and can do it consistently with potential to still improve

I'm sorry, but this is a ridiculous take. He can obviously catch lobs, he has a few post moves, can shoot a face up jumper, has a little handle and can block shots.

None of it is consistent yet, but he's 19! Inexperienced! A rookie! But to say he isn't good at anything is just...asinine.

Sent from my SM-G975U using RealGM mobile app

My take wasn't "Wiseman ISNT good at anything” but I would like to see a skill where we know Wiseman is owning and that’s his thing. YES I get your point but I didn’t mean to say he’s not good at anything.

I agree he can catch lobs. As for post moves...we’ve seen some terrific moves but they’re far and few between. I would like to see consistency in the moves. He can shoot a face up jumper...yeah so can I. I need to see consistency.
A little handle and can block shots. Sure. A little.

[and1GS]

Is it too much to expect Wiseman to show us a skill he is good at this season? Doesn't have to be elite at the skill, but give us an idea of his game and what he is just...GOOD at.

For example:
- if he ends the season with last 10 games avg double digit rebounding.

- 3point consistency with more attempts
- defensive rotations

any of it. I would be happy knowing were going into summer with Wiseman showing he's nailed a skill and can do it consistently with potential to still improve

I'm sorry, but this is a ridiculous take. He can obviously catch lobs, he has a few post moves, can shoot a face up jumper, has a little handle and can block shots.

None of it is consistent yet, but he's 19! Inexperienced! A rookie! But to say he isn't good at anything is just...asinine.

Sent from my SM-G975U using RealGM mobile app

My take wasn't "Wiseman ISNT good at anything” but I would like to see a skill where we know Wiseman is owning and that’s his thing. YES I get your point but I didn’t mean to say he’s not good at anything.

I agree he can catch lobs. As for post moves...we’ve seen some terrific moves but they’re far and few between. I would like to see consistency in the moves. He can shoot a face up jumper...yeah so can I. I need to see consistency.
A little handle and can block shots. Sure. A little.

I'd say he's already 'good at' having a fairly wide offensive skillset, especially for a big.

I think where your question/OG point comes in is here: he doesn't do it consistently. Part of that is scheme and part is inexperience, but he can definitely shoot 3s at a good clip, make post moves, catch a lob and handle the ball. However he's forgetting to take 3s, taking super deep 2s, making post moves against the absolute wrong guys and handling the ball once every other game for a 'wow!' moment.

I think the fault (on offense) is somewhat on the coaching staff. They have an incredibly versatile player and they're cramming a complex system down his throat while expecting him to figure out how to balance shooting from deep with being a better JaVale. The rebounding/defense is a completely separate topic though...of course.

[lars_rosenberg]

Is how well Wiseman progresses really even the point?

No question (IMO) that he will one day be a stud at center. He'll be able to change/block shots and score really well around the rim.

But WHY, in a league where raining 3's is what blows teams out.... spaces the floor...are the Warriors pinning all their hopes on the center position??

If we agree that Shaq, David Robinson....would be less valuable in todays game because they can't switch or guard the 3 point line...then doesn't that also apply to any center today?

I thought Warriors were "light years" ahead? And here we are grooming a project for a position that has decreased in value.

Big guard, SF, Stretch 4....play making guard...these are the dominant positions today.

So we are developing a talented center that will be very good in 3 years all while Curry turns 37? Brilliant.

Bucks and Giannis...will never win a chip. Utah with Goober...never. Denver with the Joker....never. Why is that? Because I don't care how good your center is....[b]a team with a star that either is too slow to switch and guard the 3....or can't shoot the three....will always be a WEAKNESS in the modern game.[/b]

I agree on this. Drafting a center in the top 3 is not a good idea, unless it's a otherwordly talent like Embiid. And even Embiid, took many years to get to this MVP form.
It's a PG and wing league. I didn't really like Anthony Edwards before the draft, so I would have chosen LaMelo even if I had doubts about his shooting selection.
It's too late now, I can only hope Wiseman develops better than I expect or is traded before it's too late.
I wonder if he could play a different role, he's actually pretty quick and mobile and he has shown decent shooting. Maybe playing him as a power forward could be interesting.

[clyde21]

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[clyde21]

i personally can't wait for the next 3 years developing a square peg into a round hole