SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman has been cleared to participate in full-team practices, the team announced Monday.
Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, played in just 39 games during a rookie year that was cut short in large part due to a right meniscal tear suffered on April 10. While it’s still unclear when Wiseman will be able to return to the floor given that he still hasn’t been cleared to scrimmage, both Wiseman and Warriors coach Steve Kerr are pleased with the progress the 20-year-old big man is making.
“I think it’s just been a gradual improvement over time,” Kerr said after Monday’s practice. “He hasn’t had any setbacks. But this is something that we’re obviously taking very seriously and taking very slowly, but the good thing is he advanced from his individual work to do all of the team stuff other than the scrimmaging so it’s a good step, but it’s just part of the process.”
Wiseman, who said his rehab is “going great so far,” noted that he wouldn’t mind getting in some work in the G League with the Warriors affiliate in Santa Cruz as he continues the rehab process.
“I would like to go down there so that I can get sharp physically, mentally,” Wiseman said. “And I’m getting there. So whatever happens within that time, I’m down for whatever.”
Wiseman averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in his rookie campaign.
The Warriors received another injury update on Monday with the news that backup guard Damion Lee went through practice and is expected to play in Wednesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets after missing Saturday’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a shoulder injury.