James Wiseman Biography: James Monteinez Wiseman born March 31, 2001 is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers and is listed at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m), primarily playing the center position.Wiseman started his high school career at The Ensworth School in Nashville, Tennessee, before transferring to Memphis East High School, where former NBA player Penny Hardaway coached him during his first year. As a senior, Wiseman was a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked as the number one player in the 2019 recruiting class by most services. He earned several national player of the year honors and participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game following his final high school season. In college, Wiseman played under coach Penny Hardaway at Memphis.
James Wiseman Biography
James Wiseman is an American professional basketball player who was selected second overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2020 NBA Draft. He began his basketball journey at Ensworth High School, where he earned the MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honor, before playing college basketball with the Memphis Tigers. His college career was brief, lasting only three games due to eligibility issues, after which he declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. In his rookie NBA season, Wiseman appeared in 39 games for the Warriors, averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game before a right meniscal tear ended his season prematurely. He missed the entire 2021-22 season while recovering from the injury. In 2023, Wiseman was traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of a four-team deal.
James Wiseman Biography 2025 Details
| Born | March 31, 2001 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| High school |
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| College | Memphis (2019–2020) |
| NBA draft | 2020: 1st round, 2nd overall pick |
| Drafted by | Golden State Warriors |
| Playing career | 2020–present |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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About James Wiseman
James Monteinez Wiseman is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers. Listed at 6 feet 11 inches, he plays the center position.
James Wiseman Wiki
- Born: 31 March 2001 (age 24 years), Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Dates joined: 2024 (Indiana Pacers), 2023 (Detroit Pistons) ·
- Drafted by: Golden State Warriors
- Education: Memphis East T-STEM Academy High School, Ensworth Red Gables Campus (Lower & Middle Schools)
- Height: 2.11 m
- Number: 33 (Golden State Warriors / Center) ·
- Parents: Donzaleigh Artis
Early Life and Family
James Wiseman grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where he developed a strong passion for basketball early on. His mother, Donzaleigh Artis, played a crucial role in supporting his journey, while his father, Stefan Wiseman, is no longer involved in the family. He also has an older sister named Jaquarius Greer. His upbringing and family support greatly influenced his character and dedication.
High School Career
When Wiseman began his freshman year at The Ensworth School in Nashville, he was already 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighed 200 pounds (91 kg). He played alongside future NBA player Jordan Bone. By June 2016, ESPN ranked him among the top 25 players in the 2020 recruiting class. That year, he competed with the St. Louis Eagles Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team. During his sophomore season (2016–17), he led Ensworth to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Division II-AA semifinals, averaging around 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, and earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honorable mention.
In May 2017, Wiseman joined Team Penny, founded by Penny Hardaway, competing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). In August, he announced his transfer to Memphis East High School, where Hardaway had become head coach. Initially, the TSSAA ruled him ineligible for his junior season on November 16, 2017, due to an “athletic coaching link” between Wiseman and Hardaway.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: James Monteinez Wiseman
- Date of Birth: March 31, 2001
- Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee
- Nationality: American
- Height: 6’11” (2.11 meters)
- Weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
- Position: Center
- Current Team: Toronto Raptors
- College: Memphis
- Net Worth: Around $5 million
Education
Wiseman started his high school career at The Ensworth School in Nashville, showcasing his emerging basketball talent. He later transferred to Memphis East High School, coached by former NBA player Penny Hardaway. Under Hardaway’s guidance, Wiseman’s skills soared, earning him the status of a consensus five-star recruit and the top prospect in the 2019 high school class. His accolades included the prestigious Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year and the Gatorade National Player of the Year awards in 2019.
College Career
James committed to the University of Memphis to play under Coach Penny Hardaway. However, his college career was brief, playing just three games before the NCAA suspended him over eligibility concerns. Despite this setback, his talent was undeniable, prompting him to enter the 2020 NBA Draft.
NBA Career
In the 2020 NBA Draft, Wiseman was selected second overall by the Golden State Warriors. His rookie season (2020-2021) saw him play 39 games, averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, a right meniscal tear ended his season early. The following year, Wiseman missed the entire 2021-2022 season due to knee rehabilitation but earned an NBA championship with the Warriors despite not playing any games that season.
After a short stint with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in February 2023. With Detroit, he improved his performance, averaging 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds over 24 games. In the 2024-2025 season, Wiseman signed with the Indiana Pacers. His season was cut short after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon, which required surgery and raised concerns about his future on the court.
Personal Life
James Wiseman keeps his personal life private. He is in a relationship with his girlfriend, Alana, though the couple is not married. He prefers to keep family and relationship details away from the public eye.
Interesting Facts
- Consensus five-star recruit and the number one high school prospect in 2019.
- Winner of the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year and Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2019.
- Selected as the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.
- NBA champion with the Warriors in 2022, though sidelined due to injury.
- Career impacted by significant injuries, including a right meniscus tear and a torn left Achilles tendon.
Future Outlook and Cultural Impact
Despite injury setbacks, James Wiseman remains a highly promising NBA talent. His resilience and dedication continue to inspire young basketball players. As he works toward recovery from his Achilles injury, many fans eagerly await his return, hopeful that he will fulfill the tremendous potential he showed early in his career. Looking ahead, Wiseman has the potential to become a leading figure and ambassador for basketball, leveraging his work ethic, athleticism, and commitment to growth. His ongoing journey will serve as motivation for aspiring athletes dreaming of professional success.
James Wiseman Net Worth 2025
James Wiseman’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million, derived mainly from NBA salaries and endorsements. His rookie contract with Golden State was worth $39.6 million over four years, with an annual salary close to $9.9 million. His 2024-2025 contract with the Pacers was reportedly $12.1 million. Wiseman has endorsement deals with companies like Chinese sportswear brand ANTA and Beats by Dre, adding to his earnings.
FAQs
What high school did James Wiseman transfer to for better basketball training?
James Wiseman transferred to Memphis East High School, where he played under the coaching of former NBA player Penny Hardaway, which greatly helped develop his skills.
How did injuries affect James Wiseman’s NBA career progression?
Injuries, including a right meniscal tear and a torn left Achilles tendon, have significantly limited Wiseman’s playing time and slowed down his development in the NBA.
What are some of James Wiseman’s notable endorsement deals?
James Wiseman has endorsement partnerships with the Chinese sportswear brand ANTA and audio company Beats by Dre, contributing to his income outside of basketball.
How did James Wiseman perform during his time with the Detroit Pistons?
After being traded to the Pistons in 2023, Wiseman showed improvement by averaging 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game over 24 appearances.
What role did Penny Hardaway play in James Wiseman’s basketball journey?
Penny Hardaway was both Wiseman’s high school coach at Memphis East and his college coach at the University of Memphis, significantly influencing his basketball development.
How does James Wiseman prefer to handle his personal life and relationships publicly?
James Wiseman chooses to keep his personal life private and limits public information about his relationships and family, reflecting a preference for privacy.