Warriors center James Wiseman will undergo knee surgery Thursday, a team spokesman told the Bay Area News Group. After the procedure, the Warriors will have a clearer timetable for Wiseman’s return.
Wiseman, 20, suffered a meniscus tear in Saturday’s win over the Houston Rockets. While Golden State has yet to rule Wiseman out for the season, it’s likely that his rookie year is done.
Depending on the surgery needed, Wiseman’s recovery timeline could range from five weeks to several months.
As the Warriors make a playoff push with only 18 games remaining, they are expected to be cautious with Wiseman, who they selected second overall in November’s draft and consider a potential franchise cornerstone. During an up-and-down rookie season, Wiseman had appeared to be turning the corner at the time of his injury, improving his timing as a screen-setter, lob finisher and rim protector.
Rookies often make a developmental leap between their first and season seasons, and the Warriors’ hope is that Wiseman can recover from surgery in time for a full offseason that can help Wiseman develop into the difference-maker the Warriors need him to be next season when they hope to return to title contention. A timely return would allow Wiseman to play in August’s Las Vegas Summer League and perhaps train with the Team USA Select Team. Wiseman also has plans to work out with Kevin Garnett in San Francisco over the summer.
In the days since Wiseman’s MRI, the Warriors have sought the opinions of multiple doctors and specialists. The team will know more once the surgery is complete, and whether Wiseman’s important offseason will be lost.
