How former Warriors center James Wiseman could become 2-time NBA champion despite Pacers trade
Even though the Pacers traded him after appearing in one game, former Warriors center James Wiseman could still win another championship.
Golden State Warriors fans thought James Wiseman was going to be the future of the organization when he was drafted second overall in 2020 ahead of high-level talents like LaMelo Ball, Onyeka Okongwu, Deni Avdija, and Tyrese Haliburton. Ultimately, things never worked out with Wiseman, although he was a member of the team’s 2022 championship run.
Since departing from the Warriors, Wiseman has played for a couple of teams, most recently the Indiana Pacers to begin the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old center, he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury five minutes into the year and was eventually traded to the Toronto Raptors as a salary dump, where Indiana received a 2026 second-round pick.
Funny enough, Wiseman will still get credit for winning a second championship and would receive a ring from the Pacers should they be able to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals.
If the Pacers do capture their first championship and Wiseman receives credit since he played one game for the team this season, he would become the first player from the 2020 NBA Draft to be a two-time NBA champion.
