© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
That was not at all how the Warriors or James Wiseman had hoped the No. 2 overall pick’s rookie season would go. The 20-year-old showed flashes of brilliance but mostly frustrated himself and the team as he looked every bit his age, and like a guy who had almost no preseason time to adjust to the Warriors’ schemes or the pace of the NBA.
After an encouraging start to the game on April 10 against the Houston Rockets, Wiseman went down early in the second quarter on a dunk attempt gone awry, landing awkwardly on his right knee. It was later announced he had torn his right meniscus.
James Wiseman has left the floor after taking this hard fall pic.twitter.com/Xfcj51dbI2
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 11, 2021
According to the Warriors, Wiseman had his surgery on Thursday and will miss the rest of the season. The following is from the team:
“James Wiseman underwent successful surgery today to repair a right meniscal tear. James will begin rehab immediately and will miss the remainder of the 2020-21 season. He is expected to return for the 2021-22 campaign. An update on his progress will be provided in September.”
Warriors center James Wiseman underwent successful surgery today to repair a right meniscal tear: pic.twitter.com/ncZO49Iwdv
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) April 15, 2021
Without Wiseman, the Warriors’ only bona fide center is Kevon Looney. They will likely have to make an addition, but can be expected to play mostly small ball lineups.