After being waived by the Detroit Pistons, James Wiseman faced a period of introspection over the offseason. His journey from winning an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors to not securing a multi-year deal with Detroit was challenging. However, the Indiana Pacers offered him a fresh opportunity for redemption.
This summer, Wiseman made a notable comeback in the Miami Pro League, where he played for the team DREAM. As a backup center for the Pacers, Wiseman showcased his abilities by delivering an impressive performance. He scored 34 points on 14-of-19 shooting and grabbed 17 rebounds, leading his team to the Miami Pro League championship.
In the championship game, former Denver Nuggets wing Will Barton was named MPL Finals MVP, contributing 36 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists.
Wiseman, known for his strong rebounding and moments of brilliance in the post, will face a new challenge with the Pacers, given their second-ranked offensive rating. With Rick Carlisle as head coach, Wiseman's typical post-up game may need adaptation, similar to the adjustments made by Kristaps Porzingis during his time with the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite the challenges, Wiseman could find more opportunities in the Pacers' second unit against less formidable opponents. According to Synergy Sports, he ranked in the 79th percentile for points per possession, reflecting a "very good" rating.
Wiseman’s traditional big-man skills were evident during his time with the Pistons, but his success with the Pacers will depend on how well he can integrate his game into a winning system. With limited frontcourt depth on the Pacers' roster, Wiseman has a chance to prove his value to Coach Carlisle and the team.