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Why the Golden State Warriors need to trade for Myles Turner

By Dan Bennett

Mar 15, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) and guard Caris LeVert (22) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and guard Aaron Holiday (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) and guard Caris LeVert (22) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and guard Aaron Holiday (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Myles Turner, Trade, Golden State Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 06: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors attempts to lay the ball up against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on April 06, 2021 in San Francisco, California Trade. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

James Wiseman has potential, but the Golden State Warriors do not have time to prioritize his development

James Wiseman struggled during his rookie season, both with injury and his level of performance.  He was in and out of the starting lineup and did not manage to integrate himself into the team’s offensive style before suffering a torn right meniscus in April, which he is still recovering from.

Wiseman, the number two pick in the 2020 Draft, still has the chance to be a very good player. His potential as a two-way big man that can protect the rim and score in a number of ways at the other end is there for all to see.

Injuries have slowed him down, but it was always going to take time with the young center after he missed the majority of his college season due to being suspended by the NCAA.

But Golden State found it difficult to develop Wiseman while trying to win games last year. Given that Curry, Thompson, and Green are all over 30, the Warriors want to compete for titles while they still can, meaning Wiseman’s development takes a backseat.

Last season, the team was better with Wiseman out of the starting lineup than in it. Just after Wiseman’s rookie season came to an end because of injury, the numbers showed that the Warriors were 12.3 points per 100 possessions worse with Wiseman on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass.

On top of that, the starting lineup was minus 13.2.  Replacing Wiseman for Kevon Looney saw the starting lineup jump to plus 6.2 per 100.

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