NBA No. 2 Pick James Wiseman Set to Resume Career in Europe After Injury Hiatus

James Wiseman, the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors and former teammate of Deni Avdija, is preparing to continue his basketball career in Europe. Despite early predictions of a long NBA career, Wiseman has been sidelined for over a year and a half due to a severe Achilles tendon injury sustained at the start of the 2024/25 season while playing for the Indiana Pacers.

After his injury, Wiseman returned to the Pacers in summer 2025 but struggled to secure a stable role. The team released him in October 2025 to make room for guard Mac McClung amid backcourt injuries. He briefly rejoined Indiana on a 10-day contract in December 2025, playing three games, with his last appearance on December 23 against Milwaukee. Shortly after, the Pacers released him again, leaving him without an NBA contract since.

Wiseman's Serbian agent, Misko Raznatovic, who also represents Israeli players Yam Madar and Tamir Blatt, announced on Twitter that they are exploring opportunities overseas and that Wiseman will continue his career in Europe. This move is expected to generate speculation about which European team will sign him, with the EuroLeague being a likely destination.

Wiseman's transition to European basketball marks a significant step after his injury struggles and limited NBA playtime, signaling a new chapter in his professional career at age 25.