Warriors: James Wiseman’s mentality is exactly what fans want to hear

Young Warriors center James Wiseman exuding confidence is great news for fans as the playoffs approach. 

James Wiseman had the fun task of joining a Golden State Warriors team that still has key pieces from one of the best dynasties in NBA history. That is not the usual first-year experience for a No. 2 overall pick.

Wiseman just turned 20 years old and has been thrown into the fire during his rookie season. He plays a position that is not traditionally featuured with this Warriors team and has had some major struggles in his rookie season. But once again, he just turned 20 years old.

Wiseman has his critics and Warriors fans still have high expectations. He recently provided a quote proving he is handling the situation well mentally.

James Wiseman making the best of his rookie year with the Warriors

Wiseman has played in 37 games this season and is averaging 11.5 points and nearly six rebounds per night. He has gone back and forth between the bench and starting, which is not easy for anyone, let alone a rookie who barely played at all in college.

The challenge here is entering an environment where fans, and players, are not interested in player development. Wiseman’s whole trajectory would be different if he was on a losing team like the Minnesota Timberwolves. Imagine if Anthony Edwards was struggling in Golden State.

The Warriors should be looking at Wiseman as a long-term project and not as someone who is “failing” in his rookie season. If the Warriors would have given up on Steph Curry and Klay Thompson the franchise would have never reached such great heights.

Taking criticism from fans and the media is just part of being in the NBA. Wiseman handling it well is a great sign of his maturity moving forward.