How Klay helped Wiseman through difficult rehab process originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
James Wiseman is ready to play meaningful minutes again, but with a little help from his friends.
The Warriors’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft missed all of last season rehabbing from surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and being sidelined for an extended period of time will take its toll on any athlete’s psyche.
That’s why Wiseman reached out to various people, including former Warrior Shaun Livingston, who is now the team’s director of player affairs and engagement, and current Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, for advice while he was recovering.
“[Livingston] told me a lot about his experience, and he told me a lot about the rehab process” Wiseman told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson on the latest episode of “Dubs Talk.”
He added that having those conversations with Livingston and Murray informed him and motivated him to come back stronger.
“Just seeing them go through their process and still come back and play at a high level, it gave me a lot of inspiration as well,” Wiseman said.
While Wiseman sought the counsel of many players on how to rehab effectively and their personal experiences, perhaps none were more impactful than seeing Klay Thompson come back after a 941-day rehab from back-to-back injuries. Wiseman said that when he was on Thompson’s boat, the two spoke about the Golden State veteran’s own injuries as well as the ups and downs of his rehab.
“Some days weren’t good, but some days were great and he just took advantage of every moment,” Wiseman explained. “So when I was going through my rehab process, I took the same information … and I just added to my rehab.”
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By all accounts, it seems Wiseman’s implementation of the information he’s gained is working, as he’s lived up to expectations during summer league. With Wiseman healthy and continued growth from Jonathan Kuminga, this dynamic duo could be around for many successful years.
Should he lived up to his monster potential, as Warriors owner Joe Lacob believes, Wiseman could be on track for big thigs.
However, Warriors fans must be patient, just like Wiseman was during his rehab, as good things come to those who wait.
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