Can Patrick Baldwin Jr. Improve an Already Championship-Winning Warriors?
So much for the Golden State Warriors plan to save money by trading out of the 2022 NBA Draft. At the end of the first round, as trade rumors were rife all around them, the Warriors held the No. 28 selection and used it to choose the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. The Warriors chose to place a wager on this once-top prospect despite his stock plummeting following a dismal college freshman year and a mediocre combine.
Without a doubt, this student received every offer upon graduating from high school. Baldwin Jr., who held offers from schools like Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina among others, was placed No. 5 on ESPN’s list of the best 100 players in the country for 2021.
Why, therefore, did he choose UW Milwaukee? The short answer is that the Panthers’ head coach is Baldwin Jr. Unfortunately for Patrick, this choice and persisting problems lowered his selection standing. Baldwin Jr. only made an appearance in 11 games last season, which was disappointing. So, now that he is at the bay, how can he improve the team?
Patrick Baldwin Jr. is on his way to the Warriors at No. 28! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/fvYZdynL9g
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 24, 2022
Warriors bet on Patrick Baldwin Jr’s high school five-star rating
The potential of Baldwin Jr.’s raw profile is what it can become. The current NBA requires a 6’10” power forward with a 7’1″ wingspan and a 9-foot standing reach; add to that a shooting style that screams balance and high-release, and the Warriors may have an intriguing project on their hands. This makes this investment a prime example of a low-risk, high-reward venture.
The Champs!!!! Can't wait to get to work!!
— Patrick Baldwin Jr. (@_pbaldwin23) June 24, 2022
Only 11 games’ worth of film from his collegiate career is available owing to his injuries. Baldwin Jr. recorded a troubling 34/27/74 split in the 11 games. Even for someone who had previously been regarded as a blue-chip talent out of high school, the selection of Baldwin Jr. as the 28th choice may have seemed out of the left field. However, the Warriors have a track record of launching left-fielders for home runs.
