In the NBA, a stage full of dreams and competition, the beginning of each season is accompanied by the rise of countless new stars and the curtain call of veterans. According to statistics, the average career life span of NBA players is about 4-5 years, and only some stars with excellent physical endurance or top role players can have a relatively long career. It's a pity that some high-pick rookies with high hopes will be eliminated in a short period of time if they can't adapt to the rhythm and game of the NBA.
Wiseman, who was once the star of the Warriors' list, is one such example. Recently, an official announcement of the Pacers has attracted widespread attention: James Wiseman, the 2020 top eye, finally reached a 1+1 contract with the team after twists and turns, and surprisingly, his first-year salary is only $500,000.
In the 2020 NBA draft, Edwards (known as "Huazi") joined the Timberwolves as the champion, and then quickly grew into the core of the team, and won a five-year contract extension with a maximum salary of $245 million last season with his outstanding performance, and an annual salary of $42.18 million next season, becoming a hot young star in the league. LaMelo Ball (three-ball), who followed closely behind, also shined on the Hornets, not only with his personal data, but also with his extraordinary ball intelligence and organizational skills to win the favor of fans and management, and also received a five-year $204 million maximum salary contract last year, and the annual salary will reach $35.14 million next season.
By contrast, Wiseman's situation is particularly lonely. As a former role model, he carried high expectations and attention, but in the early days of the Warriors, due to injuries and adaptation issues, he did not shine as expected. He was then traded to the Pistons and now to the Pacers, with every transfer accompanied by speculation about his uncertain future. Now, the contract, with an annual salary of only $500,000, is undoubtedly a realistic feedback on his performance over the past few years, and it also makes people wonder: Is it "declaring water"?
However, in the NBA basketball world, there are many stories of "injured Zhongyong", and there is no shortage of counterattack stories. For Wiseman, the low-wage contract may be an opportunity for him to start afresh and prove himself. At the Pacers, he has the opportunity to find his place in a new environment, and through relentless hard work and continuous improvement, he will gradually earn the trust of his coaches and teammates and prove himself again. After all, on the NBA stage, talent and hard work are indispensable, and opportunities are often reserved for those who are always ready.
Maybe Wiseman is not destined to become a star, but if he lowers his profile, plays steadily, and can work hard in the role player position, I believe Wiseman will definitely be able to find a job in the league. After all, his physical talent is there, and there are still teams willing to try it. However, for his status as a top star, Wiseman can already be defined as a parallel import. The Warriors had given him so many opportunities, but he didn't take them, and he couldn't be regarded as living up to the Warriors' hard work.