The Golden State Warriors, once a defensive juggernaut, are grappling with a glaring hole at the center position as free agency unfolds. Meanwhile, a former Warrior and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, James Wiseman, is quietly staging a redemption arc with the Indiana Pacers, signing a two-year minimum contract with a team option for the second year.
A Quiet Signing with Big Potential
Wiseman’s return to Indiana has flown under the radar, overshadowed by flashier free-agency moves across the league. The seven-footer, who initially joined the Pacers last offseason, showed flashes of brilliance in the preseason, posting an impressive 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds on a scorching 70.8% shooting in just 12.5 minutes per game. Poised for a rotational role behind Myles Turner, Wiseman’s momentum was derailed by a devastating Achilles tear in the season opener against the Detroit Pistons, one of his former teams. The injury sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season, and the Pacers traded him to the Toronto Raptors at the mid-season deadline, only for Toronto to waive him shortly after.
Now, at 24, Wiseman is back in Indiana, ready to seize a second chance. His return comes at a pivotal moment for the Pacers, who are reeling from the departure of their long-time anchor, Myles Turner, to the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $107 million deal. Turner’s exit, coupled with Milwaukee’s shocking decision to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard’s massive contract, has reshaped the Eastern Conference landscape. For Wiseman, this is an opportunity to step into a larger role and prove he’s more than a draft bust.
Pacers Pivot to a Center-by-Committee Approach
With Turner gone, the Pacers are rebuilding their frontcourt with a committee approach. Alongside Wiseman, Indiana recently acquired 7’1” big man Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies and exercised the team option on Tony Bradley’s contract. Additionally, Isaiah Jackson is set to return from his own Achilles injury, adding depth to a revamped roster that reached the NBA Finals just weeks ago. Wiseman’s size, athleticism, and untapped potential could make him a cornerstone of this new-look frontcourt, provided he stays healthy and continues to develop.
Warriors’ Defensive Woes Deepen
Across the country, the Warriors are facing their own crisis at the center position. The loss of beloved three-time champion Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans has left Golden State scrambling for answers. Looney’s departure, combined with Wiseman’s earlier exit, highlights a string of missed opportunities for the Warriors at the pivot. While Wiseman’s tenure in Golden State was marred by injuries and inconsistent play—appearing in just 60 games over 2.5 seasons—his selection as the No. 2 pick in 2020 remains a sore spot for fans and analysts alike. Hindsight has not been kind to the Warriors’ decision to draft Wiseman over other prospects who have since blossomed into stars.
James Wiseman put pen to paper today ✍️ pic.twitter.com/LTabWWK16p
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 7, 2025
Golden State is now reportedly in pole position to sign veteran free agent Al Horford, a five-time All-Star who could bring stability and leadership to their frontcourt. However, with no deal finalized, the Warriors’ defensive identity—a hallmark of their dynasty—hangs in the balance as they navigate a competitive Western Conference.
Wiseman’s Redemption Arc: A Story to Watch
For Wiseman, the move back to Indiana is more than a contract; it’s a chance to rewrite his narrative. Once hailed as a generational talent, his career has been a rollercoaster of injuries and unmet expectations. Yet, at just 24 years old, the athletic big man has time to turn things around. His preseason performance last year offered a glimpse of what he’s capable of—a dominant rim protector and efficient scorer in the paint. If he can stay healthy and carve out a consistent role, Wiseman could become a steal for the Pacers and a reminder of the potential that made him a top draft pick.
As the Warriors search for answers and the Pacers retool for another deep playoff run, Wiseman’s quiet comeback could be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025-26 NBA season. Will he finally silence his critics and reclaim his place among the league’s promising big men? Only time will tell, but Indiana is betting on his upside—and they might just hit the jackpot.