James Wiseman will undergo right knee surgery later this week, either Thursday or Friday, per league sources. It’s a crucial moment for the Warriors’ near-term outlook and an early-career pivot point for the rookie center. The results of the surgery will determine the expected return timetable, which ranges from a shorter 4-6-week absence to a possible multi-month recovery that would severely limit his offseason availability.
More on James Wiseman Injury
Connor Letourneau: I can confirm the @Anthony Slater report that James Wiseman will undergo surgery later this week. The Warriors have yet to rule him out for the season, but odds are his rookie year is done.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Warriors center James Wiseman has suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee, sources tell ESPN. No timeline on a return yet.
Shams Charania: Warriors rookie James Wiseman is feared to be out for the remainder of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
The latest blow came Saturday night. James Wiseman, who was building maybe the best rhythm of his rookie season, landed awkwardly on his right knee after his dunk attempt was stuffed by Kenyon Martin Jr. Wiseman immediately grabbed at it and grimaced in pain before walking around the court, attempting to shake off the pain. Kerr called timeout. Wiseman spent the break stretching it out and jogging. He was intent on staying in the game, but just before play resumed, director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini pulled Wiseman off the court and took him to the locker room for further evaluation. He missed the rest of the game and is scheduled for an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.
The internal belief within the Warriors is that it’s not a major season-ending type knee injury for Wiseman. Tests will determine the extent and timetable, but there’s a low level of concern that it’s a major blow for the rookie center.
"Hopefully he doesn't miss too much time," Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. "It seems like when he takes a couple strides he gets dealt a little adversity, so it's kind of tough. But I don't know what the situation is. I hope he doesn't miss much time."
Anthony Slater: Official injury tags for the Warriors tomorrow at Knicks Stephen Curry: Questionable, James Wiseman: Questionable. Kevon Looney: Questionable. All three appear to be trending toward a return.
Marc J. Spears: Warriors hope James Wiseman can return from wrist injury during the upcoming road trip. "Warriors center James Wiseman, who has missed the last nine games due to a sprained left wrist suffered on January 30 vs. Detroit, was re-evaluated earlier today. The re-evaluation indicated that James is making good progress. He has returned to segments of practice and the hope is that he can possibly return to play at some point during the team's upcoming road trip."
The second overall pick has experienced no setbacks in his recovery from the injury but revealed that the team doctor wants to see some of the inflammation subside before gaining clearance to play. He has started to dribble and shoot again during the non-contact portion of practice. “(Since) it’s a sprained wrist, you don’t know if it could be one week, two weeks or three weeks,” Wiseman said on Tuesday. “I’m just following each procedure but there are no setbacks. I’m just trying to improve and get better each day. It’s most definitely getting better so I can’t wait to get back out there, which should be pretty soon.”
Connor Letourneau: Kerr said Wiseman is "doing every well." Will be re-evaluated after Texas trip, meaning Wiseman will miss at least the next three games.
Monte Poole: James Wiseman tweaked his R ankle. Not serious per Kerr, who expects him to play vs POR on Sunday.
