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James Wiseman missed a COVID-19 test during the All-Star break and was forced to take time off from practice on Wednesday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters during a video conference .
The 19-year-old’s status is in doubt for Thursday’s second-half opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.
“It was a mistake,” Kerr said. “He just forgot. It’s disappointing because he could have used training tonight and we needed him there. It is disappointing that he made the mistake.
Kerr has bragged about Wiseman’s immense potential since he was so young, but now his youth is showing for another reason.
Kerr said Wiseman was in the Bay Area during the break. Teammate Eric Paschall said players who stayed behind were to enter the team’s premises for daily testing, while Kerr said he had to send in his tests overnight while on vacation during the break.
The pandemic has brought a host of new challenges and being an NBA player in these times includes extra appointments and attention to detail. From Kerr’s comments, it looks like it was a preventable episode for the young rookie.
Steph Curry said he hopes it becomes a teaching moment for Wiseman.
“This is what you have to do,” said Curry. “For a rookie to come in, there’s obviously a lot of stuff thrown at you just in terms of what’s going on on the pitch. But now, obviously, all the protocols and the responsibility during the break.
“But I think we all understand that this is our job and that we have things to do. When you don’t do them, it puts you a little behind. So I hope he won’t be away for long. I don’t know what the situation really is, to be honest. We all have to do our part to get through the season.
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Curry also shared the kind of advice he can offer Wiseman.
“His kind of personality, he strives to be great and he has this feeling that he’s meant to be perfect all the time,” Curry said. “I think for him, one, whatever the current situation is, it’s going to work out. He will come back to us as soon as possible. But to hold yourself accountable like any other guy in the locker room and get the job done, show up with the right frame of mind every day. “
Kerr said Wiseman made the trip to Los Angeles with the team, but the league informed the Warriors on Wednesday that the center was not allowed to train. The Clippers frontcourt includes players like Serge Ibaka, Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac.
The No. 2 overall pick has had a season of ups and downs, averaging 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while sitting 11 games with a wrist injury and moving to a role reserve at some point. Considering this failure was preventable, it’s a tough way for the rookie to start his second half.
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