The Detroit Pistons took a flyer on James Wiseman — they’ve won just four games since acquiring him.
At last year’s trade deadline, Detroit traded for Wiseman, who the Golden State Warriors took with the No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft. They dealt Saddiq Bey, a young small forward who has become a productive reserve for the Atlanta Hawks. As for Wiseman, he can barely get on the court.
After the trade, Wiseman started 22 of his 24 games for Detroit, averaging 12.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and nearly a block per game. But the Pistons were 10.1 points per 100 possessions worse when Wiseman was on the floor, as he committed both fouls and turnovers at a high rate.
The team went 2-22 in games Wiseman played. This year, Detroit is 0-8 when he takes the court, meaning the team would expect to win 5.1 games over an 82-game season. Granted, the 2-14 Pistons are on pace for ten wins themselves.
Getting Wiseman, who makes $12.2 million this season, echoes another ill-fated Pistons deal. One year earlier, Detroit traded for another disappointing No. 2 pick, Marvin Bagley III. Like Wiseman, Bagley was picked ahead of some future superstars — Luka Doncic and Trae Young for Bagley, LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton for Wiseman.
But while Detroit was trying to get a bargain on a high draft pick each time, they ignored their own roster. The Pistons already have promising young big men Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. Trying to force more big men into the mix is a big reason why Detroit is second-to-last in three-pointers. Meanwhile, Bey is making 38.7 percent of his threes.
It’s not only Wiseman’s fault — he’s barely playing. But the Wiseman trade has proved to be an awful one for the Pistons.