SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 25, 2021 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors rookie James Wiseman says he has received regular advice from Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.
James Wiseman entered a situation that many rookies would dream about. The Memphis big man was drafted with the second overall selection by the Golden State Warriors, a team that won three NBA titles in the past six seasons. He has no doubt received advice from the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, but he has also been given some pointers from other NBA stars.
In a press conference on Monday, Wiseman was asked if he has received some advice from players outside of the team. The rookie center revealed that he is given pointers “regularly” by Brooklyn Nets star and former Warrior Kevin Durant about Golden State’s system.
Besides Durant, Wiseman also received advice from fellow Nets star Kyrie Irving. You can catch Wiseman’s full comments, via The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
Warriors: James Wiseman gets advice from Kevin Durant “regularly”
Wiseman could not have found a better teacher than Durant in terms of how to fit into the Warriors’ system. Back in 2016, Durant spurned the Oklahoma City Thunder to sign a deal with Golden State after the team had blown a 3-1 NBA Finals series lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His tenure with the Warriors was legendary, as he won back-to-back NBA Championships and NBA Finals MVP awards in consecutive years.
Since Wiseman is only a rookie and has had his fair share of growing pains this season, there will only be more time for him to progress and learn in the system.
Wiseman has played in 36 games in his debut season (24 starts), where he is averaging 11.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 51 percent from the field.
The Warriors’ rookie has a bright future ahead of him, and it only makes sense to pick the brain of one of the best players in the game today.