Why did the Warriors choose James Wiseman over Tyrese Haliburton?
The Warriors believed Wiseman had a higher ceiling and fit their team needs at the time.
NBA / Golden State Warriors
Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers has revealed that the team was highly impressed with Tyrese Haliburton during his pre-draft workout in 2020. Despite this, the Warriors ultimately chose James Wiseman with the second ov...
In the 2020 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors held the number two pick and had the opportunity to select Tyrese Haliburton, a promising guard from Iowa State. During his pre-draft workout with the Warriors, Haliburton impressed then-general manager Bob Myers and coach Steve Kerr with his shooting and overall demeanor. However, the Warriors ultimately decided to select James Wiseman, a center from Memphis, believing he had a higher ceiling.
Haliburton was drafted 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings, where he showed flashes of brilliance before being traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022. Since joining the Pacers, Haliburton has emerged as a star, leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024. His performance in Game 1 against the Knicks, where he scored 31 points in an overtime win, further solidified his status as one of the league's top young players.
Meanwhile, James Wiseman's tenure with the Warriors was marked by injuries and inconsistent play. He was eventually traded to the Detroit Pistons and later waived by the Pacers, failing to live up to his potential as the second overall pick. This miss underscores how crucial draft selections are to team success.
The Warriors' elimination in the 2024 playoffs further emphasizes the need for depth behind Stephen Curry. Hindsight being 20/20, many now believe Haliburton could have been a valuable asset to the Warriors, providing playmaking and scoring alongside Curry.
The Warriors believed Wiseman had a higher ceiling and fit their team needs at the time.
Haliburton has become an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, showcasing his exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities.
Myers has expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging Haliburton's impressive qualities and leadership skills.
Do you think the Warriors would be in a better position today if they had drafted Tyrese Haliburton? Let us know your thoughts!
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