James Wiseman has finally landed with a team that can maximize his skill set

James Wiseman has agreed to join the Indiana Pacers. The former second overall draft pick has struggled to reach his potential since entering the NBA in 2020. Two-and-a-half difficult years with the Golden State Warriors were followed by a tough season-and-half with the Detroit Pistons.

However, with the Pacers, Wiseman can finally lean into being the high-motor rim-runner everyone expected him to be. Rick Carlisle is one of the better coaches in the NBA and has rapidly positioned the Pacers as one of the most exciting young teams in the league. They play fast and hard, and they shoot a bunch of threes. 

Wiseman will be tasked with grabbing rebounds and running the floor. Due to his athleticism and 7-foot frame, he will provide vertical spacing. Tyrese Haliburton is arguably the best passer in the league. He will consistently find his new teammate for easy lob opportunities, both in transition and when he's rolling to the rim in the half-court. 

Carlisle's work with developing Wiseman will come on the defensive end. Wiseman has all the tools to be a high-level rim protector and weakside helper. If Carlisle can work with the 23-year-old to improve his timing and defensive IQ, he could emerge as a legitimate anchor for the team's second unit. Furthermore, he could emerge as a reliable alternative for when Myles Turner is forced to sit due to injuries or load management. 

Indiana's style of play is made for a young and explosive big like Wiseman. It's the first time since entering the NBA that he's on a team that has an offensive and defensive approach that suits his core skill set. He is still young enough to resurrect his career and prove himself to be a viable big in the league. 

The Pacers are taking a low-risk, high-reward approach by adding him to their roster.