What Is James Wiseman's Future in Basketball After Recent Performance?
As I sit here watching the Detroit Pistons' recent game footage, one question keeps nagging at me: What is James Wiseman's future in basketball after recent performance? The seven-foot center has been through quite the rollercoaster since being drafted second overall in 2020, and I can't help but wonder where his career trajectory is headed.
Why has Wiseman's development been so inconsistent?
Having followed his career closely, I've noticed Wiseman shows flashes of brilliance followed by stretches where he disappears. In his recent 10-game stretch, he averaged 12.8 points and 8.1 rebounds – decent numbers, but not what you'd expect from a former number two pick. The problem isn't just his stats; it's his basketball IQ and positioning that concern me. This reminds me of what Rondae Hollis-Jefferson recently emphasized: "So understanding where guys thrive and how to put them in the best situations to be successful, I think, will help us in the EASL." Wiseman desperately needs coaches who understand his strengths and put him in positions to succeed consistently rather than expecting him to figure everything out himself.
Can his recent improved performances change his career trajectory?
Over the past month, I've seen glimpses of the player Wiseman could become. His 20-point, 12-rebound performance against Charlotte showed what happens when he's engaged and utilized properly. But here's the thing – one or two good games don't erase three seasons of struggle. The real question about James Wiseman's future in basketball hinges on whether he can maintain this level consistently. Hollis-Jefferson's philosophy about putting players in optimal situations applies perfectly here. If Detroit (or another team) can build schemes around Wiseman's athleticism and developing skills rather than forcing him into traditional center roles, we might finally see the player everyone expected.
What specific skills does he need to develop?
Watching him play, three areas stand out to me. First, his defensive positioning – he often finds himself out of position for rebounds and rotations. Second, his hands – he still fumbles too many passes in traffic. Third, and most crucially, his basketball instinct just seems... delayed. He processes the game a step slower than elite centers. These aren't unfixable issues, but they require specific developmental approaches. As Hollis-Jefferson noted, it's about understanding where players thrive. For Wiseman, that might mean simplifying his role initially and expanding it as he gains confidence.
How does his situation compare to other "draft busts"?
I've seen this movie before with players like Anthony Bennett and Hasheem Thabeet. The difference? Wiseman has shown more flashes of legitimate NBA talent than either of them. At 22, he's younger than many realize, and his physical tools remain elite. The key difference in determining James Wiseman's future in basketball will be whether he lands with an organization that truly invests in his development. Some teams are just better at developing big men – San Antonio, Miami, and Toronto come to mind. If Wiseman ends up in such a system, his career could still be salvaged.
What's the ideal team fit for him?
Personally, I'd love to see him in Oklahoma City. They have the patience, development staff, and need for a traditional center. Their system would maximize his athleticism while minimizing his decision-making responsibilities initially. This aligns perfectly with Hollis-Jefferson's insight about putting players in optimal situations. Wiseman doesn't need to be the focal point – he needs to be the finisher, the rim protector, the energy big. Finding that perfect fit is crucial for James Wiseman's future in basketball after recent performance showed both promise and limitations.
Could overseas basketball be an option?
This might sound controversial, but I actually think a season in Europe or the EASL could benefit him tremendously. The slower pace, different defensive rules, and emphasis on fundamentals might accelerate his development. Hollis-Jefferson specifically mentioned how understanding player strengths helps in the EASL context. For Wiseman, overseas competition could provide the confidence and playing time he needs without the intense scrutiny of the NBA spotlight. It worked for players like Nikola Mirotić – why not Wiseman?
What's the most likely outcome?
If I'm being honest, I'm torn. Part of me sees the physical tools and believes he can become a solid rotational big. Another part worries he'll be out of the league in three years. My prediction? He'll bounce around a couple more teams as a reclamation project before settling into a backup center role. The absolute best-case scenario is he develops into a starting center on a mediocre team or elite backup on a contender. But the window is closing – he probably has two more seasons to prove he belongs.
Ultimately, James Wiseman's future in basketball depends heavily on finding the right situation and coaches who truly understand how to utilize his unique combination of size and athleticism while masking his deficiencies. As Hollis-Jefferson wisely observed, success comes from understanding where players thrive. For Wiseman, that perfect environment hasn't materialized yet – but it's not too late.