James Wiseman quickly settling in with Pistons: ‘We like what we see’

Detroit News

Detroit — James Wiseman had a sequence in the first quarter of the Pistons’ loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday that showed exactly why his potential as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft was so promising.

The 7-foot center caught a pass just before half-court and took two dribbles before executing a euro-step to finish a layup with his left hand. The motion didn’t look forced. He looked poised and under control, which has been apparent with each game since joining the Pistons.

Wiseman finished with a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds on 9-of-11 from the field and zero fouls after totaling four in his last game. He made four of his six free throws and knocked down his first 3-pointer since arriving in Detroit. Overall, Wiseman has averaged 13 points and eight rebounds on 59% shooting from the field since he was traded from the Golden State Warriors.

“I’m starting to feel comfortable,” Wiseman said after the game. “I’ve just been in the gym working. Working on my 3-pointer. Working on my post-ups and my face-ups.”

Wiseman’s comfort level on the court has also translated to his the development in his relationships with his new teammates.

After Wiseman threw down a one-handed dunk in traffic in the second quarter of Monday’s loss to the Hornets, his frontcourt teammates Isaiah Stewart and Marvin Bagley III rose off the bench to cheer him on. Later in the game, Wiseman was on the bench with Stewart smiling and joking as JAY-Z’s “Public Service Announcement” song blared through the arena.

“They cheer me on everyday in practices and games,” Wiseman said.

Wiseman’s recent play has caught the attention of his head coach, too. After Tuesday’s practice, Pistons coach Dwane Casey raved about Wiseman’s newfound opportunity and how he’s taking advantage of it.

“His go-to play right now is his offensive rebounding,” Casey said. “He’s doing a great job of reading where the ball is coming off and putting it back in and finishing. Catching the ball in the pocket, making the read and finishing or kicking it out. He’s getting a good feel. His thing whole thing is getting reps and getting an opportunity to play in game situations. We like what we see. I really like what I see with him.

“His motor, how hard he plays, he cares. He listens. He’s a sponge. It’s just a matter of time. I’m looking at a kid like Mark Williams and how quickly he’s improved in Charlotte. There’s no reason why James Wiseman cannot make that same step and jump as these older guys because he’s got a few more games. Plus, he’s seen what a championship team looks like. That’s so important. He’s been in that championship culture.”

Pistons to honor Shock championship

The Pistons will honor the Detroit Shock championship team from 2003 during their home game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 9, the team announced Tuesday. The game will be recognized as the Pistons’ “Women’s Empowerment Game,” as part of Women’s History Month.

It’s been 20 years since the Shock captured its first WNBA title in franchise history, which was led by Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer as general manager and head coach.

“We are pleased to welcome back members of this great team during Women’s History Month and recognize them for delivering the first WNBA championship to Detroit” said Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman of the Pistons.  “The team truly embodied the spirit, fight and grit of the city and pulled off a remarkable feat with a historic turnaround in just one season.  We’re excited to celebrate their place in Detroit sports history.”

The 2003 Detroit Shock was highlighted by its nucleus of WNBA Finals MVP Riley, Hall of Famer and New Orleans Pelicans vice president of basketball operations Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, Flint native Deanna Nolan and Elaine Powell. The season was depicted as “Worst to First” because the Shock finished with the league’s worst record during the 2002 season. That group finished with the best record in the league at 25-9 before defeating the Los Angeles Sparks in a three-game series in the 2003 WNBA Finals.

mcurtis@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @MikeACurtis2

Bulls at Pistons

Tipoff: 7 Wednesday, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

TV/radio: BSD/97.1

Outlook: The Pistons (15-47) will host the Chicago Bulls (28-33) on Wednesday. Bojan Bogdanovic, who missed Monday’s loss to Charlotte due to bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, has been upgraded to probable. Isaiah Livers is doubtful due to a left ankle sprain, while Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart are listed as out. Jaden Ivey, who missed Monday’s game for personal reasons, is available.

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