The Toronto Raptors are acquiring center James Wiseman along with cash from the Pacers ahead of Thursday's NBA Trade Deadline. Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2020, but the 23-year-old has yet to establish himself as an NBA contributor. He played just one game for the Pacers this year before needing Achilles surgery which will sideline him the rest of the season. He has a club-option for 2025-26, so the Raptors could opt to keep him for his recovery and potential upside or let him become a free agent following this season.
Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (Achilles) was forced to exit early during Wednesday's season opener against the Detroit Pistons. Wiseman exited the contest after only four minutes of action due to what was being considered a calf injury. Now, it's being revealed that Wiseman suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in the win. The team hasn't announced it, but Wiseman is expected to miss the rest of the season. The Pacers are also without Isaiah Jackson (groin) right now, so Obi Toppin could see a larger role behind Myles Turner at the center spot. Toppin could be a possible streaming option if Jackson has a lengthy absence.
Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (calf) won't return during Wednesday's season opener against the Detroit Pistons. Wiseman limped off the court after suffering what looked to be a non-contact injury during the first half of Wednesday's game. This is bad news with Isaiah Jackson (groin) inactive for the season opener. That means, Obi Toppin could see big minutes during the second half of this contest. Wiseman finished with six points and one rebound in four minutes of action. The 23-year-old figures to be the primary backup to Jackson once both players are healthy. Until then, Toppin could be asked to play big minutes for Indiana.
Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman is carrying a groin injury that has limited his participation in training camp. According to Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, the injury happened a couple of weeks ago. It's seen a "minor" injury for Wiseman, so the seven-footer shouldn't miss a lot of time. Carlisle has called Wiseman "a great young prospect," and he gets a fresh start in Indiana after stops in Golden State and Detroit. However, considering the presence of Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson on the team, Wiseman will likely have a tough time getting regular minutes.
Myles Turner Expects Big Things From James Wiseman
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner expects big things from former Pistons center James Wiseman this season. "I feel like once he gets the opportunity that he's been looking for, he's going to take it and run with it. I genuinely want to see him succeed," Turner said at Monday's team's media day. Last season, Wiseman averaged 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds across 63 contests in the Motor City. Alongside Turner, the 23-year-old could be a helpful addition to the Pacers front court, but he would likely not make an impact in fantasy this season.
Detroit Pistons center James Wiseman (finger) is expected to suit up on Monday in Oklahoma City. The 2020 No. 2 overall pick hasn't done anything for fantasy managers this season, considering he's been held off the floor by head coach Monty Williams. As a result, Wiseman isn't someone to consider using in any fantasy setup, and that shouldn't change until he receives a routine role in the rotation. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be happening anytime soon.
James Wiseman Posts Double-Double Off Of The Bench
Detroit Pistons center James Wiseman came off of the bench on Thursday and played 23 minutes in the team's preseason win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 22-year-old ended with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block while hitting all eight of his shots. Even with Jalen Duren (ankle) missing this contest, Wiseman played the backup role to Marvin Bagley III. He made the most of his opportunity with an excellent game, but when it comes to the regular season, he should still be relegated to a backup role behind Duren. Wiseman will likely be a streamer at best unless injuries shift the rotation.
James Wiseman, Marvin Bagley III Fighting For Bench Role
Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams says forwards/centers James Wiseman and Marvin Bagley III are competing for "the backup big spot." Williams tends to prefer smaller lineups, so that seems to leave a very low fantasy floor for one or the other with 2022 first-round pick Jalen Duren locked in as the starting center. It helps their respective causes that Isaiah Livers (ankle) is down for six-to-eight weeks with an ankle injury, but it sounds like Wiseman and Bagley are more or less fighting for scraps. Fantasy managers in shallow leagues might want to steer clear from the two big men with no clear pathway to minutes having presented itself at this point. Isaiah Stewart, who appears to be solidified as Detroit's backup power forward, is probably the Pistons big worth a flier pick this draft season.
Detroit Pistons center James Wiseman ruled the paint versus Orlando on Saturday, notching 16 points and 12 rebounds in an 89-78 victory. He also swatted away two shots while shooting 6-for-10 from the field with a 1-for-3 effort from outside. Wiseman is looking to rebuild his reputation as a second-overall pick and he had a good spell with the Pistons last season, logging 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds after arriving from Golden State. The Summer League offers him an opportunity to rebuild further confidence.
James Wiseman A Candidate To Be Traded This Summer
According to James Edwards III of The Athletic, center James Wiseman is a candidate to get moved this summer. The 22-year-old, taken No. 2 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Warriors, spent most of his time in Golden State on the shelf because of a knee injury. He was traded to Detroit ahead of last season's deadline and was relatively productive, averaging career-highs in points (12.7) and rebounds (8.1). However, Wiseman is currently buried on the team's depth chart, with Jalen Duren and Marvin Bagley III ahead. But the former Memphis Tiger may benefit from a change of scenery, especially if it opens the door for more playing time. Dynasty managers should hold on to him for now, considering his value can't go anywhere but up moving forward.