News - Boston Celtics - Toby

I might also add that the Celtics did not draft him, he was traded following the draft in the following deal:

James Wiseman, Daniel Theis and Jae Crowder for Jerami Grant, Marc Gasol and Obi Toppin. 

Early on in his career Wiseman was the starting center for the rebuilding Celtics. However since the emergence of future all star Alperen Sengun, Wiseman has taken a back up roll while he continues to develop. He has been great at that roll, it is a luxury to have a plus 7 footer with his athleticism coming off the bench. 

However, unfortunately in late March the Celtics Turkish star suffered a season ending knee injury, which thankfully was not anything too serious, but due to it being towards the end of the season, he was unable to return. 

This gave Wiseman the opportunity he needed. Thrust back into he starting Center roll with no competition in front or behind him, it was time to see what he had in him. 

Wiseman has started all 12 games in the month of April and his stat lines during this time are quite impressive. He has averaged 15.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1 steal and 1.3 blocks. While shooting 60% from the field and 74% from the free throw line. 

I am now statistician but I would say they are pretty handy stats.

In week 19, among all centers, Wiseman ranks 7th in points per game , 2nd in assists per game and 6th in total field goals made. 

I know its a small sample size, but just reading that he sounds like he is in elite company in among other centers. 

I am not saying James should be an all star, not by any stretch. I just wanted to give him a bit of a shout out and pay him his dues as he has been putting together some nice basketball. 

And, considering the Celtics were receiving offers from other general managers that required Boston to pay for them to take Wiseman, Although they never entertained said offers, I am glad they stayed loyal to our big man. 

With wiseman becoming a restricted free agent in the offseason, will be interesting to see if he lands a friendly deal or he ends up “out of the league” (as GMs have frequently put it).