The Memphis Tigers have declared James Wiseman ineligible after the superstar freshman dropped his lawsuit against the NCAA.
Wiseman and the school will apply for reinstatement, but for now, they will sit the big man during games. Wiseman is still eligible to practice with the Tigers in the meantime.
Wiseman was the number one ranked prospect heading into the start of the college basketball season, and the freshman is widely projected to be the number one pick in the 2020 NBA draft. In his first three college games, he averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and three blocks per game.
That’s important for the Golden State Warriors because this year, the draft is especially vital. The Warriors are on a five-game losing streak and hold the NBA’s worst record at 2-10. According to tankathon.com, Golden State has a 14% chance to land the number one pick, which is tied for the highest percentage in the league.
The Warriors desperately need a young playmaker to add to the core, and Wiseman could be the guy. Wiseman’s ineligibility probably won’t have much of an effect on his draft stock, but it’s unfortunate because it’ll be hard to get familiar with his game.
By the time June’s draft rolls around, Wiseman will probably still see his name at the top of many boards, but while he sits, what players should Warriors fans be watching?
Jaden McDaniels, Forward, Washington
There are many guards atop the 2020 draft board, but the Warriors focus could be on the front line. Outside of Wiseman, Washington’s Jaden McDaniels is another big man to follow.
McDaniels is a lengthy player that stands at 6-foot-10 with an 8-foot-11 reach. For his size, he can play all over the court. He can slash and create for others while showcasing a decent jumper. The Washington native isn’t close to being refined as he might have the biggest upside of any player in the draft.
McDaniels could play power forward to start his career with the potential to slide in at the three after some development.
Kahil Whitney, Forward, Kentucky
Every time you flip on NBA League Pass, there’s a former Kentucky Wildcat taking over a game. Wildcats are spread out across the NBA, but the Warriors haven’t drafted a player from Big Blue Nation since 1957.
That could change in 2020.
Kentucky’s Khalil Whitney is an athletic freak that would fit right in with Draymond Green’s lob-ability. The Wildcat is 6-foot-7 and shredded. His strength and athleticism project him to have an immediate impact on the defensive side of the floor.
Matthew Hurt, Forward, Duke
Matthew Hurt is the type of stretch four that Warriors fans have dreamt about since the arrival of the “Splash Brothers.”
Hurt has a quick trigger and a beautiful jumper for a player that stands at 6-foot-9. Hurt can get buckets all over the floor with his veteran-like scoring ability. He’s slender, but has a long frame that could cause problems on the defensive side of the ball.
Hurt is a player to keep an eye on if the Dubs slip out of the top-10 in the draft.
The season has just begun, but it already appears as if it’s going to be long and tedious. Already, the Warriors are thinking about this June’s draft, and these three players are among those that should be at the top of their board.