After months of ramp-ups and ramp-downs, James Wiseman is finally on the cusp of returning to NBA action.
Wiseman, 20, was cleared for live, full-contact basketball in the latest progression of his rehabilitation process. The center is set to play in G-League games for the Santa Cruz Warriors on Thursday and Sunday, the team announced.
Thursday’s game in Stockton will be Wiseman’s first real competition since tearing his right meniscus against the Rockets last April. Sunday, he’ll return to the Chase Center as the Santa Cruz Warriors host the G-League Ignite — the developmental team.
Wiseman has missed the first 65 games of the 2021-22 season. He was close to returning last December, but had a setback that required minor surgery to relieve inflammation.
Typically, meniscus surgery comes with an average of three to six months of recovery time; Wiseman will be out nearly a year if he returns before the end of the regular season.
Wiseman has recently been seen on the court before games working out, often throwing down dunks while wearing a weighted vest.
Wiseman is nearing return at a time the Warriors desperately need help inside. Golden State has lost nine of its last 11 games, with opponents often having their way in the paint. Wiseman’s return could also coincide with that of Draymond Green, who is targeting March 14.
The Warriors are currently in third place in the Western Conference, half a game behind Memphis. The Grizzlies have a significantly easier remaining schedule than GSW, but the two contenders collide in Memphis on March 28 to set up a potentially pivotal game.
It’s entirely possible Wiseman, who averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds as a rookie, will be there for it.