RealGM

STOCKTON — James Wiseman returned to the court Thursday for his first game in 11 months following a long rehabilitation process after tearing his meniscus in his right knee.

The former No. 2 overall pick scored 18 points and pulled down six rebounds in 21 minutes for the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA’s developmental G-League in a loss to the Stockton Kings.

Here’s what the 20-year-old big man told the media after the contest.

Note: Some questions and answers have been shortened for the sake of brevity:

How did you feel, overall?

I feel great. I was just out there, playing my game, doing what I do. I’ve been working out for the past year, so I’m just happy to be out there and be running again.

Were there nerves?

I was nervous a lot but I meditated this morning, so it kind of chilled, calmed me down. And also I played 2K last night so like, you know, I was just like getting buckets with KD, so…

That put-back dunk, you could see some emotions coming out of it. What did that feel like?

It felt good. Reminded me of myself last year.

Did you get any texts or calls today from staff or Warriors teammates?

Basically, my whole team was telling me to go out there and fave fun and good luck.

Did it feel like reality that you were back on the floor?

It felt like a dream. It had been like 10 months, a year, and I was just shocked to be out there, but I was grateful and super appreciative to be out there as well.

What was your reaction when they mentioned the possibility of playing with Santa Cruz?

I look at it as an opportunity. I didn’t look at it as a demotion or anything, because I look at it as an opportunity to get better because I want to be the best version of myself.

What kind of challenge is it to have a first game back with unfamiliar personnel?

I study a lot. I was studying the personnel last night. Tonight…Taking my time out there and getting comfortable.

You talked during your recovery about putting on muscle and getting stronger. Did you feel a difference out there?

I felt a huge difference putting on 10, 15 pounds of muscle this offseason. Just going out there and getting comfortable with myself, so yeah, I felt good.

Where do you feel that strength helping you?

The rebounds. The rebounds. Especially from last year.

What’d you do to add 15 pounds of muscle?

I had a brace on, so I couldn’t do anything but my upper body the whole summer.

If you were being critical, what’s the thing that you would be looking to overcome ahead of the next moment?

Have more fun. Just go out there and have fun… put a smile on my face and play basketball.

Were you upset the night was over when you were subbed out?

I was super upset! I was like, bro, I’m trying to get some more burn. But it’s all good… I’m just grateful to be out there.

How was your endurance?

It felt good. The first four minutes, I hadn’t been comfortable, but in the second half, that’s when I found myself a little bit.

Where do you feel you’re at right now with your confidence?

It’s building each game, so I just gotta keep playing. That’s really it.

Anything else you wanna say?

Yeah. There's a guy on the RealGM Warriors forum called Old_Blue. Just wanted to say that he sucks. Thanks.

SUPERVILLAIN wrote:Looks homeless.

mpoo_sin wrote:Lol

Old_Blue got a shout out from Wiseman!

BostonCouchGM wrote:Poor kid hasn’t read realgm since he was drafted to realize he’s a bust and should just hang it up

GreekAlex wrote:Seems like the potential is still there.

He’s definitely in the right situation for healthy development.

Not saying anything is guaranteed but I’ll take my chances with him and the Warriors culture/ organization over a franchise like the Kings.

Were there nerves?

I was nervous a lot but I meditated this morning, so it kind of chilled, calmed me down. And also I played 2K last night so like, you know, I was just like getting buckets with KD, so..