https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/Warriors-James-Wiseman-enjoys-important-16834819.php

Warriors center James Wiseman has yet to be cleared for contact work nearly 10 months after he underwent knee surgery, but he did enjoy an important milestone Saturday: his first team practice since the procedure.

During the non-contact group workout, Wiseman impressed, picking up concepts quickly and flashing his considerable skill. However, perhaps the biggest takeaway was his near-constant smile.

It has been a frustrating rehab process for Wiseman, who the team initially had hoped could come back to games about six months after his mid-April surgery to repair a torn right meniscus. He still has no timetable for his return.

The Warriors are optimistic that Wiseman will be cleared for 3-on-3 work in coming days. After that, he’ll need to participate in 4-on-4 and 5-on-5 scrimmages before suiting up for games.

Last month, head coach Steve Kerr said he was done speculating about when Wiseman could come back. A rehab rife with unexpected setbacks has Kerr preferring to focus on the present.

“He practiced today and looked great,” Kerr said. “This being James’ second season, he’s got a foundation of knowledge that’s going to be really important for him when he does get back on the floor.”

In late November, Wiseman appeared poised to return before teammate Klay Thompson, who came back Jan. 9 from Achilles surgery. But despite having no structural damage in his repaired meniscus, Wiseman began to deal with persistent swelling. A second procedure in mid-December got rid of loose fragments and ended the swelling.

Now, Wiseman is feeling strong and self-assured as he nears contact work.

“That was a good step for him,” guard Damion Lee said of Saturday’s practice. “The injury-rehab process, everything of that nature, I understand that. It’s something I’ve gone through in the past. So for him to just be back on the court, it was great. Just to see him happy, see him in good spirits.”

Whenever Wiseman is cleared for games, he will be on a strict minutes restriction. It appears unlikely that Wiseman will play much, if at all, in the playoffs.

Other updates: Forwards Andre Iguodala (left hip injury) and Otto Porter Jr.. (lower back tightness) practiced and will join the team for Monday’s game in Oklahoma City and Wednesday’s game in Utah. Per Kerr, they have a good chance of being available against the Thunder.

Forward Nemanja Bjelica, who has missed the past four games with back spasms, didn’t practice and isn’t expected to be on the upcoming trip.