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The Golden State Warriors finally have their full squad on the court. With the season opener against the Brooklyn Nets just eight days way, the Dubs welcomed All-Star Draymond Green and lottery pick James Wiseman to the court on Monday.
Green and Wiseman had both tested positive for the coronavirus before training camp started, and had been unable to participate in team activities. For the last few days they had been in the facility doing individual work, but Monday was their first day practicing with the team.
Definitely a positive sign for the Warriors: Both Draymond Green and James Wiseman went through practice today with no issues.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) December 14, 2020
Both Green and Wiseman will need to work themselves into shape after being sidelined for a while, and it’s unclear when they’ll be ready to play games. While they won’t play in Tuesday’s preseason game, coach Steve Kerr wouldn’t rule them out of Thursday’s preseason finale — but also didn’t guarantee that either of them would be ready for the season opener, either.
Draymond Green and James Wiseman have been ruled out of tomorrow's preseason game in Sacramento, but they could return as soon as Thursday's preseason finale against the Kings.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) December 14, 2020
Steve Kerr leaves the door open for Draymond and/or Wiseman to play in the season opener on Dec 22. Team doctors will make the final call and they’re still monitoring them both.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) December 14, 2020
As for how each player looked? Well, things seem to be good in that regard.
Green appeared to be in great shape; not game shape, for obvious reasons, but he seems to be doing very well.
Steve Kerr said Draymond Green "looks really good, looks really lean." Screengrab from Green's presser. pic.twitter.com/e0nMTKEXc8
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 14, 2020
Kerr said Draymond got tired quickly, but noted that’s to be expected during hard drill work. Kerr added Draymond’s body and movement looked great.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) December 14, 2020
That’s tremendous news following a season in which he seemed to be dinged up all the time.
Not surprisingly, Green didn’t need much time to start impacting the team.
Steve Kerr on Draymond practicing: "It was so great to have those guys back out on the floor." Draymond "made his presence felt immediately" with advice and "a whole lot of trash talking."
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) December 14, 2020
As for Wiseman, the initial reports seem very positive. He even got the always-important Draymond seal of approval.
Draymond Green on James Wiseman's first practice: "He covers a looooooooot of ground. He ran the floor great, came up with some offensive rebounds." Said he was out of position a lot because he was amped up. "A bit all over the place. It was great to see. All energy related."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 14, 2020
Steve Kerr on Draymond Green's return: "The energy level just skyrocketed."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 14, 2020
-On Wiseman's practice debut: "A couple guys came off the floor and shook their head, like, 'Wow, this guy is massive.'"
Steve Kerr on James Wiseman: "Several great screens. He seems to be a very natural screen setter." Said his screen and dive game opened up some wide open shooters in his first practice.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 14, 2020
I was already looking forward to watching Green and Wiseman play basketball. Now I’m looking forward to it even more.
Dec. 22 cannot come soon enough.