One option was Jonathan Kuminga who walked away with two points, the other was James Wiseman on his summer league debut. The latter ended up being the reality in a spirited flurry with Wiseman finishing off a wobbly alley-oop from Kuminga in what would be the start of a successful comeback for the 21-year-old Warriors centre. “I’m glad it was Wise,” Mahlalela said with a smile when asked about the opening points of the Warriors’ huge 86-85 comeback win. Wiseman played just under 20 minutes in his first game action in all but three G League games this year after his rookie season was cut short in April 2021 by a torn right meniscus. He missed all of last season for the Warriors due to complications from surgery and was counting down the days to this very moment. The Warriors played Wiseman in four-minute bursts to start each quarter, but then brought him back for the final 3:52 of the game. At the point, Golden State trailed 79-74. Thirty seconds later, Wiseman caught a pass in traffic from Kuminga and finished his second dunk of the night to cut into the deficit. The Warriors outshot the Spurs 12-6 with Wiseman back on the floor, earning their first win of the summer. Sunday didn’t just mark Wiseman’s return and summer league debut after being unable to participate the previous two years. It was also the first time he and Kuminga, 19, played together, giving everyone a glimpse of the reigning champions’ bright future. “He makes our whole job easier,” Kuminga, who scored 26 points, including the game-tying bucket and game-winning free throw, said of Wiseman. “A lot easier … Just with him rolling like that, he’s going to open up the paint. If I don’t get the ball, he’s going to get the ball. I feel like throughout the season, we might run it a lot like that with [Steph Curry]. “It’s just going to open up the floor more.” Overall, Wiseman scored 11 points while going 5-7 from the field. He made his only 3-point attempt, hit two dunks and hit two jumpers — one a smooth fadeaway. Wiseman was also called for seven fouls, some more than others, and only grabbed two rebounds. Immediately after the game, he tapped Mahlalela on the shoulder and said he needs to get more rebounds next time. But this is all part of the process. Wiseman is no longer holding back. He is in a real game environment against other opponents, instead of individual drills or playing with his teammates in controlled matches. Getting him on the floor is a victory in itself, and his immense potential was far more impactful than any of his failures. The Warriors know Wiseman can score in multiple ways, and their goal this season is to slowly but surely turn the former No. 2 into a defensive machine. There were times when he was a force on that end, especially with two early blocks. His first came at the rim, and the second was further out on an off-shot attempt. This was his favorite. “Yeah, that was cool,” Wiseman said. After the victory that had the crowd on its feet, Wiseman’s coaches and teammates gave him a standing ovation as he returned to the locker room. Those who have been close to him through it all know how difficult this journey has been, and those new to the Warriors are not new to his story. Despite all the top prospects in Las Vegas right now, Wiseman’s return was near the top of expectation. Show why. “It was a big moment,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot of tough times, especially as a person and as a person. But to see everyone rooting for me and lifting me up, it’s a great feeling.” The cherry on top came out of text. Steve Kerr made it to Sin City to watch Wiseman and got a front-row view of a player who looks to be a major piece of the Warriors’ future. Kerr did not disappoint. “He just texted me saying great job out there and said, ‘You look really nice.’ “ RELATED: How Steph, Draymond were key to Warriors signing DiVincenzo As Wiseman sat on the bench during the second quarter, Wiseman locked eyes with head coach Rick Celebrini and motioned to him that he could play more. The eager center waited a long, long time. He also realizes that his first game back is just one part of a much bigger and more important process. The Warriors know what talent they have in Wiseman. Keeping the stallion in the stable is not easy. It’s also worth it if it all comes together. “Yeah, I felt like I could play more,” Wiseman said. “… I had about five minutes a quarter so I was trying to get as much as I could. And when the rebounds weren’t coming my way, I was pissed off, but I was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to run the floor and do my best.’” The plan is for Wiseman, Kuminga and Moses Moody, who scored 34 points in three quarters Friday night but sat out Sunday to rest with a stomach bug, to all play together Tuesday against the Boston Celtics. When asked if he’ll be good to go, Wiseman gave us all a look that we should mark with a Sharpie. “Yeah, I’ll play on Tuesday,” Wiseman said. “For sure.” Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
