James Wiseman Stays Resilient with USA Basketball

Former No. 2 overall pick looks to revive NBA career through FIBA World Cup qualifying

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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James Wiseman, once a highly touted NBA prospect drafted second overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2020, has faced a series of setbacks and injuries throughout his young career. After being released by the Indiana Pacers, Wiseman has found a new opportunity with the USA Basketball men's national team competing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying window, where he is hoping to showcase his skills and earn another shot in the NBA.

Why it matters

Wiseman's story highlights the challenges young players can face in the NBA, with injuries, poor timing, and limited opportunities derailing promising careers. His participation with USA Basketball provides a platform for Wiseman to demonstrate his abilities and potentially revive his NBA aspirations, which could inspire other players in similar situations.

The details

Wiseman, now 24 years old, played just three games at the University of Memphis before being drafted by the Warriors in 2020. He had an injury-riddled rookie season, tearing his meniscus in 2021 and missing the Warriors' championship run. Wiseman was then traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he was part of the team's historic 28-game losing streak, and later suffered an Achilles tear while with the Indiana Pacers. Now, Wiseman is looking to showcase his skills with USA Basketball, where he has impressed coaches with his defensive abilities and potential to contribute at the NBA level.

  • Wiseman was drafted second overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2020.
  • In April 2021, Wiseman tore his meniscus and missed the Warriors' championship run.
  • In the 2022-23 season, Wiseman was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he was part of the team's record-setting 28-game losing streak.
  • On opening night of the 2023-24 season, Wiseman tore his Achilles while with the Indiana Pacers.
  • Wiseman was released by the Indiana Pacers the day after Christmas 2025.

The players

James Wiseman

A 24-year-old former second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft who has faced a series of injuries and setbacks throughout his young career.

Stephen Silas

The head coach of the USA Basketball men's national team, who has praised Wiseman's potential to contribute at the NBA level.

Penny Hardaway

The former head coach of the University of Memphis, who was found to have provided Wiseman with $11,500 in moving expenses, leading to Wiseman's limited college career.

Jonathan Kuminga

A former teammate of Wiseman's on the Golden State Warriors.

MarJon Beauchamp

A player who also used a USA Basketball stint to earn an NBA opportunity, signing a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

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What they’re saying

“This whole process, honestly, it's definitely been down a lot. I'm just keeping my head up and staying resilient, but it's definitely been tough — I ain't gonna lie.”

— James Wiseman (The Athletic)

“With Wise, you can see he belongs on an NBA roster. He's long, he can play pick and roll defense. … He rebounds, he blocks shots. He's a little rusty; scoring around the hoop was a little bit tough for him. But he belongs on the NBA roster.”

— Stephen Silas, USA Basketball Head Coach (The Athletic)

What’s next

If Wiseman impresses during the current FIBA World Cup qualifying window, he could earn another opportunity in the NBA, potentially through a free agent signing or a call-up from the G League. The U.S. team has another qualifying window in July, providing Wiseman another chance to showcase his skills.

The takeaway

James Wiseman's resilience and determination to overcome a series of setbacks and injuries in his young NBA career is an inspiring story. His participation with USA Basketball demonstrates the value of such platforms for players looking to revive their careers, as it provides a stage to showcase their talents and potentially earn another shot at the NBA level.