SAN FRANCISCO — With 23 games left after the All-Star break, the Warriors and James Wiseman are racing against the clock to get the former No. 2 draft pick back on the floor and reap the much-needed size the 7-footer will add to the lineup.
Ten months removed from surgery on the meniscus in his right knee, Wiseman has taken major steps in the past week to his eventual return to the court, participating in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Tuesday, one week after he joined teammates for 3-on-3 contact work for the first time since the procedure. The team has not set an official target date, but Wiseman has entered the final stage of his rehab.
"It felt like a huge step," Wiseman said Wednesday before tipoff against Denver in the Warriors' final game of the first half. "Going through a lot of adversity for the past 10 months, actually being able to play 5-on-5, that's a huge step for me."
Wiseman ran the length of the court and finished a few dunks in the scrimmage, with a group of teammates and coaches. With the All-Star break looming, a date hasn't been set for his next scrimmage, but Wiseman will continue to work over the time off, coach Steve Kerr has said.
Wiseman, the Warriors' only player taller than 6-9, will bring size that has been sorely lacking, especially evident recently during a stretch where they have been bullied in the paint by such teams as the Jazz and Knicks. After surprising success on the boards for most of the season, Golden State has been outrebounded in four of its past fives games, entering Wednesday night.
Playing without a true center has taken its toll on members of the front court who are consistently matching up against opponents 20 pounds larger than them. The Warriors' primary big men — Kevon Looney, Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica — have all faded in recent weeks after strong starts to the season.
Looney, who has taken a bruising and yet played every game this season, expressed his appreciation that the All-Star break — and with it, a full week off — was finally on the horizon.
"I think I need a break. I think everybody's looking forward to the All-Star break," Looney said. "I'm not exhausted, but I'm ready for the break."
For Wiseman, the All-Star break means a few days of rest, too.
But then, he said, the plan is to "just get back to work."
Wiseman's rookie season was a bumpy road, and the Warriors played their best basketball that year in the final 19 games after his injury. There's no question that there is a hole to be filled on this roster, and Wiseman fits the mold to fill it. But it's worth remembering that he might not provide the immediate boost fans may desire.
As for his role down the stretch, Wiseman said his only expectations are to "go out there and play my role and have fun."
"Whatever Coach needs me to do," Wiseman said. "Go out there and run the floor, block shots, get rebounds. Just do the simple stuff and play my role, I should be fine."
