Introduction

Golden State Warriors' decision to select James Wiseman over Tyrese Haliburton with the No. 2 pick in the 2020 nba Draft stands as one of the most debated choices in franchise history. As Stephen Curry's prime fades and the team seeks Stability beyond its aging core, the ripple effects of this move continue to shape the Warriors' path forward.

The Fateful Choice in 2020

Coming off a season marred by injuries and a championship drought, the Warriors faced a pivotal moment with the second overall selection. Tyrese Haliburton, a poised point Guard from Iowa State, showcased elite playmaking (40.9% three-point shooting in college) and intangible qualities aligned with the Warriors' "small ball" philosophy. Yet the team opted for James Wiseman, a 7-foot-1 prospect with raw potential but limited college experience.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr later admitted: "We’re one of a large group of teams that looks back and goes, 'Oh, that was a mistake." Former GM Bob Myers echoed this, noting Haliburton's rare confidence and basketball IQ were overlooked.

Haliburton's Rise vs. Wiseman's Struggles

Haliburton's Transformation

Selected 6th by the Sacramento Kings (via Indiana Pacers), Haliburton has evolved into an MVP-caliber talent. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 26.9 points, 12.1 assists (league-leading), and maintained a 49.8% FG percentage (40.9% from three-point range). His historic playoff performance—a 30-point, 15-assist, 10-rebound game with zero turnovers—cemented his status as a generational playmaker.

Wiseman's Struggles

Despite early hype, Wiseman never found consistency in Golden State. Plagued by injuries and defensive limitations, he played only 60 games over three seasons before being traded to Detroit in 2023. His career has since stalled, failing to make a significant impact with the rebuilding Pistons.

Ripple Effects on the Warriors' Future

The decision deprived the Warriors of a natural successor to Curry's playmaking role. Haliburton's ability to create shots for others and hit critical three-pointers would have provided depth for the post-Curry era. Instead, the team now relies on aging stars like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green while searching for sustainable youth.

This misstep underscores a departure from the Warriors' traditional blueprint of valuing basketball IQ and system fit over raw athleticism. As Curry's prime wanes, the absence of Haliburton's skillset leaves Golden State facing an uncertain future.

Conclusion

The 2020 draft choice remains a cautionary tale about prioritizing proven intangibles over unproven potential. While the Warriors have found promising young talents like Brandin Podziemski, the shadow of Tyrese Haliburton's success looms large—a constant reminder of opportunities missed and the challenges of maintaining a dynasty in an evolving NBA landscape.