Indiana Pacers Surprisingly Waive Former Lottery Pick

Once upon a time, James Wiseman was seen as an elite prospect and a key piece of the Golden State Warriors' future after they selected him No. 2 overall back in the 2020 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, despite averaging 10 points and five rebounds across his two seasons with the Warriors, he simply didn't work out, departing the team after failing to find a major role with the organization.

Since then, Wiseman has spent time with the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, appearing in just one game for the Pacers last season as a depth option behind Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant. However, with their departures, the hope was that he could step up and potentially play a bigger role this upcoming year.

However, after playing 20 minutes in one game for the team in 2025–26, the team has now officially parted ways with him, as Michael Scotto has announced that they have waived Wiseman.

At 24 years of age, Wiseman still has plenty of time ahead of him, but after struggling to find a role in the NBA with not one, not two, but three teams, it's safe to say that his next team may not be in the NBA. Whether that's in the G-League or overseas, Wiseman simply hasn't been able to show off his skills at the next level, so now, we wait and see whether or not another team in the league will take a chance on him, or whether he'll take an opportunity elsewhere.