James Wiseman assigned to Santa Cruz Warriors. Is his return on the horizon?

James Wiseman’s predicted return to the court docket achieved a further milestone with the crew saying that the Warriors’ 7-footer was assigned to practice with the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors on Friday.

Wiseman, 20, is anticipated to participate and scrimmage with the Santa Cruz workforce and is not anticipated to enjoy Saturday’s game versus the Birmingham Squadron. But the assignment is a substantial stage in Wiseman’s restoration, though the team has not introduced an formal return day.

With 22 online games left in the frequent period, the Warriors could use their next-all round pick’s length down the extend. Wiseman is 10 months removed from surgery on the meniscus in his suitable knee, his rehab buying up rate over the last thirty day period. Wiseman participated in his initial 5-on-5 scrimmage on Tuesday shortly following collaborating in 3-on-3 make contact with get the job done.

“It felt like a massive step,” Wiseman reported final Wednesday, the 1st time he tackled media considering the fact that his surgical treatment. “Going as a result of a ton of adversity for the past 10 months, actually being able to perform 5-on-5, that’s a enormous stage for me.”

With Kevon Looney as the Warriors’ only real centre on the roster, Wiseman’s return could provide reduction and sizing for a team prone to bullying in the paint. Wiseman could be a variable on the boards in likely forthcoming match-ups towards some of the league’s very best bigs in Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis (overall health allowing), Karl-Anthony Cities and Gannis Antetokumpo.

Wiseman has not performed at match speed in virtually a yr — and he experienced a tumultuous rookie time ahead of his harm — but be expecting head coach Steve Kerr to make use of his dimensions and athleticism as the Warriors hope to preserve, at least, their second seed place in the Western Meeting.

“Whatever Coach wants me to do,” Wiseman said of his purpose once he returns. “Go out there and operate the flooring, block photographs, get rebounds. Just do the basic stuff and engage in my purpose, I ought to be wonderful.”