Wiseman to play for first time in 15 months

James Wiseman is expecting to play today for the first time in 15 months.

“I cannot wait to go out there and just play the game of basketball again,” Wiseman said Friday.

Wiseman, 21, has played in only 39 NBA games since being drafted second overall in 2020 and none since tearing the meniscus in his right knee in April 2021. Wiseman was expected to return last fall for training camp, but setbacks prolonged his rehabilitation process. He has since undergone two additional procedures, including an orthobiologic injection designed to promote healing throughout his body.

In recent week, the Warriors have increased Wiseman's workload. He alternated between five-on-five scrimmages and lighter work days for about the last week as Golden State's staff closely monitored how his body responded to the conditioning. He was drenched in sweat and appeared gassed after his most recent test after Wednesday's practice, which assistant coach Jama Mahlalela said was purposeful.

“Part of his growth, he's got to get his wind back. You have to almost just blow it out and get him super fatigued, it's really the only way to push him to the next level,” said Mahlalela, who's coaching the Warriors' summer squad in Las Vegas.

Wiseman said the rampup process over the last few weeks has been a challenge.

“It's hard not playing in a year and a half, almost two years, like that's difficult especially being an athlete,” he said. “But you've just got to push through it, I'm just trying to figure it out.”

Wiseman hopes the bad days are behind him. It's a “blessing” he said to finally have a date set to play in a game in front of fans.

“I've been through a lot so to go out there and just play competitively again and have fun, I cannot wait for that,” he said.