Curry: Wiseman can be part of 'meaningful basketball games'

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry believes rookie James Wiseman can immediately carve out a role with the team this upcoming season.

"Obviously, he's a second (overall) pick so the expectations are usually high comparing him to other top two draft picks in years past. Those comparisons, he's not going to be able to avoid no matter what his average is or how many minutes he's playing," Curry told reporters Wednesday, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "But he's definitely going to contribute and we're gonna hopefully be able to unlock him this year to make us a much better basketball team."

Curry added: "Success for him will be framed a lot of different ways, I think. And it might not be what the stats look like, it might mean him being a part of big meaningful basketball games for us to help us win."

The Warriors selected the Memphis center with the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft. Wiseman is expected to provide rim protection and some much-needed athleticism to Golden State's frontcourt.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is excited to see what the 7-footer can do, though he cautioned fans to temper their expectations, especially since Wiseman played only three collegiate games last season.

"James' potential athletically is so dramatic that I imagine he'll have a chance to step in and help us because he's so athletic and dynamic," Kerr said. "But there's a ton to learn, and he doesn't have the value of a summer league, a whole summer of workouts. A lot to catch up on in every respect."

Wiseman averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 boards, and three blocks during his brief stint in the NCAA. He was the top-ranked high school recruit in the class of 2019.