Career Timeline of James Wiseman: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 23, 2025

How James Wiseman built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

James Wiseman is a professional basketball player who most recently played for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He is a 6'11" center who played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers before entering the NBA. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2020.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 2017: Joined Team Penny

In May 2017, James Wiseman joined Team Penny, which was founded by Penny Hardaway, and played on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit.

November 20, 2018: Committed to Memphis

On November 20, 2018, James Wiseman committed to Memphis to play for Penny Hardaway, despite considering Kentucky.

December 19, 2019: Left Memphis to Prepare for NBA Draft

On December 19, 2019, James Wiseman announced that he would leave Memphis, hire an agent, and prepare for the 2020 NBA draft, concluding his college career.

2019: Ranked Number One Recruit

In 2019, as a senior, James Wiseman was ranked as a consensus five-star recruit, earning the number one position in the 2019 class by most recruiting services. He also received multiple national player of the year awards and participated in the McDonald's All-American Game.

December 22, 2020: NBA Debut

On December 22, 2020, James Wiseman made his NBA debut with the Golden State Warriors, scoring 19 points and grabbing six rebounds in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

2020: Potential Number One Pick

In 2020, James Wiseman was considered a potential number one pick in the NBA draft, making him one of the highest-rated prospects in his class.

2020: Drafted by the Golden State Warriors

In 2020, James Wiseman was drafted with the second overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, marking a significant milestone in his career.

January 27, 2021: Season-High 25 Points

On January 27, 2021, James Wiseman scored a season-high 25 points, along with six rebounds, in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

March 9, 2022: Assigned to Santa Cruz Warriors

On March 9, 2022, James Wiseman was assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Golden State Warriors' NBA G League affiliate team, to play games before returning to the NBA.

July 10, 2022: Return from Injury in Summer League

On July 10, 2022, James Wiseman returned from injury in the 2022 NBA Summer League, scoring 11 points, grabbing two rebounds, and recording two blocks in a win over the San Antonio Spurs.

2022: NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors

In 2022, James Wiseman won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, despite being injured and not participating in any games during the season.

February 9, 2023: Traded to the Detroit Pistons

On February 9, 2023, James Wiseman was traded to the Detroit Pistons in a four-team trade, marking a significant change in his NBA career.

2023: Trade to the Detroit Pistons

In 2023, James Wiseman was traded to the Detroit Pistons, marking a change in his professional basketball career.

July 5, 2024: Signed with the Indiana Pacers

On July 5, 2024, James Wiseman signed a 2-year contract with the Indiana Pacers, marking a new chapter in his professional basketball career.

2024: Signed with the Indiana Pacers

In 2024, James Wiseman signed with the Indiana Pacers, joining a new team in his NBA career.

February 6, 2025: Traded to Toronto Raptors and Waived

On February 6, 2025, James Wiseman was traded to the Toronto Raptors alongside cash considerations, but was waived shortly after.

2026: Second-round Pick

On February 6, 2025, Wiseman was traded to the Toronto Raptors alongside cash considerations in exchange for a 2026 top 55 protected second-round pick, but was waived shortly after.