No. 2 NBA Draft Pick James Wiseman Set to Resume Career in Europe

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 high expectations for a long NBA career, Wiseman, now 25, has been sidelined for over a year and a half due to injuries and roster challenges.

Wiseman suffered a severe Achilles tendon tear early in the 2024-25 season while playing for the Indiana Pacers, which halted his progress. Although he returned to the Pacers in summer 2025, he struggled to secure a stable role. The team released him in October 2025 to make room for guard Mac McClung amid backcourt injuries. In December 2025, Wiseman briefly rejoined Indiana on a 10-day contract under a hardship exception, playing three games before being released again on December 23.

Since then, Wiseman has not been under an NBA contract and has not played professionally. His Serbian agent, Miško Raznatović, 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. Speculation is growing about which European team will sign him, with the EuroLeague a likely destination.

This move marks a significant shift for Wiseman, who was once seen as a promising NBA talent but now seeks to revive his career abroad after injury setbacks and limited NBA playing time.