An NBA player won’t always reach their potential. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. Some players just don’t get where fans expect them to get as their career progresses.
On the other hand, some players just take longer than expected. Fans may be ready to give up on them. Suddenly, they’re reaching their potential. For front offices, it’s difficult to know when to give up on a player.
Take James Wiseman of the Detroit Pistons. The Golden State Warriors drafted him in the lottery, and eventually decided that he wasn’t worth their development currency. Unfortunately, he’s not quite meeting his potential in Detroit, either.
Could they send him to the Memphis Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal: Memphis Grizzlies Land Detroit Pistons’ James Wiseman
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Luke Kennard
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C James Wiseman
On the other hand, some players aren’t drafted for their potential. They aren’t expected to be stars. Some players simply have a clear role in the NBA. They’re drafted to satisfy that role.
Look at Kennard. He was never expected to be a star player. He hasn’t been. All Kennard was expected to do at the NBA level was knock down threes efficiently. Kennard has done exactly that.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
By contrast, Wiseman was the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. This is a player who was expected to be a star. At this point, it’s hard to imagine that Wiseman will reach those heights.
Should the Grizzlies take a flyer on him anyway?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Grizzlies need a big man. Let’s start there. This team had a rough start to the 2023-24 season with Ja Morant suspended and Steven Adams injured. Morant is big, but Adams is still leaving a void.
Wiseman could fill it. The Grizzlies don’t need him to be a primary offensive option. They simply need him to defend the rim, rebound, and finish pick-and-rolls. He should succeed alongside a dynamic pick-and-roll ball-handler like Morant.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
They may miss Kennard’s floor spacing. Arguably, the Grizzlies are fixing one problem and creating another problem in the process. Still, it’ll be easy enough to find a shooting specialist this summer if necessary.
Do the Pistons need a shooting specialist?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons have a lot of needs. This team can’t win a game. The Pistons may set an NBA record for the longest regular-season losing streak in league history this year.
The team’s poor floor spacing may be the primary culprit. Detroit is light on shooting. Joe Harris is on the roster, but his defensive limitations seem to keep him off of the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Kennard isn’t a lockdown defender, but he is more functional than Harris. He’s returning to the team that drafted him here, and he should be able to help them improve. After all, Kennard reached his potential – even if it was limited.
