Warriors forward Draymond Green is targeting a March 14 return against the Washington Wizards after recovering from a back injury. Center James Wiseman is also fit again after his meniscus injury and should now be gathering game practice in the G League.
“Next Monday, the 14th against the Wizards, is the date I’m targeting,” Green announced on his podcast The Draymond Green Show. “I’m really happy to be back. I’ve missed almost two and a half months, that’s the longest time I’ve had to sit out a season. I’m happy to be back playing with my boys and chasing a championship.”
The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year suffered from lower back problems and has been out since early January. Head Coach Steve Kerr was also pleased to be getting his defensive anchor back soon. “He’s made great strides in his rehab,” said Kerr. “He’s been back on the court for a week and a half now, working on his throw and doing scrimmages. He’s feeling a lot better and on the right track.”
The four-time All-Star has made 34 appearances this season, averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 29.9 minutes at 53.7 percent from the field. In the 26 games since Green was injured, the Warriors are 13-13 and have been missing his defensive presence and playmaking during that period.
Golden State Warriors: Wiseman is said to be gaining game practice in the G League
Another Warriors big man is about to make his return in center James Wiseman. The second pick from the 2020 NBA Draft was certified by team doctors after his meniscus injury as being able to participate in games again. Wiseman is initially scheduled to appear in two games with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Warriors’ G League team, and gain game practice.
“It’s clear the kid needs minutes,” Kerr said of the 21-year-old. “He needs a lot of minutes and a training camp. So let’s lower the expectations for now. Nonetheless, we’re looking forward to the future that lies ahead of him. He has the potential to be a great player.”
According to a source from ESPN It’s “very unlikely” that Wiseman will join the Warriors’ rotation at this point in the season, but he could pick up a few minutes here and there.
Wiseman only made 39 appearances for Golden State through injury. In an average of 21.4 minutes, he averaged 11.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks at 54.2 percent from the field, but was often overwhelmed on the defensive.
