James Wiseman
Updated as of 11/21/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2020 rankings were finalized on 11/17/20.
Height: 7-1
Weight: 240
College: Memphis
Classification: Freshman
Birthdate: 3/31/2001
2020 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 2
Projected Draft Range: Top 5
2020 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 2 by the Golden State Warriors
Pros:
Strong finisher around the basket
Very good low post scorer
Good mid-range shooter
Adequate playmaker
Tremendous rebounder
Solid defender
Good shot blocker
Solid athlete
Very good motor
Great size for the center position
Cons:
May need to improve his free throw shooting
Mechanics may make it difficult to shoot from long distance
Can be too passive on offense
Not an elite ball handler
Did not play a whole lot of basketball this season
Summary:
James Wiseman is an athletic, skilled big man that could potentially be the top pick of the 2020 draft. He is a solid low post scorer that can knock down plenty of mid-range jumpers, and he also is a gifted rebounder that can haul in many boards when he is on the floor. He is also a terrific defensive player that can block many shots.
Unfortunately, Wiseman dealt with eligibility issues and he was only able to play 3 games before being suspended by the NCAA stemming from their investigation, and he then left for the draft afterwards. There is also a minor concern that the modern NBA game appears to be shifting away from big men and has become increasingly perimeter oriented, so it’s possible that a combination of those things could cause him to slip in the draft.
Still, Wiseman is a very talented center that could potentially end up being the best player in this draft, and his strong set of skills could allow him to be an excellent player in the NBA.
Links:
ESPN’s Article on Wiseman Entering the Draft
Games Scouted:
3/27/19 2019 McDonald’s All-American Game
11/8/19 Memphis vs. Illinois-Chicago
11/12/19 Memphis vs. Oregon
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