The Golden State Warriors might be in for a treat this season as Patrick Baldwin Jr. is one name that has mostly flown under the radar but could become a rising star in no time.
Baldwin has quietly been all the rave this summer for Golden State. While most fans are either rejoicing over the championship or closely watching the development of Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman and Moses Moody — Baldwin has been “shockingly” good.
That’s the word used to describe Baldwin’s performance with the team so far. C.J. Holmes of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke to multiple Warriors staffers who both agreed that Baldwin is a promising young player.
The Golden State Warriors might have once again found a diamond in the rough as Patrick Baldwin Jr. is impressing staff members.
Selected No. 28 in the 2022 NBA Draft, Baldwin would join a long list of late-first-round draft picks to make the lottery teams kick themselves for not drafting him.
For the Warriors, Jordan Poole is the most recent example of success in the back of the draft. Draymond Green, of course, is another. Other names like Bones Hyland, Desmond Bane and Robert Williams all fit this mold, as well.
A 6’9″ forward with a clean jump shot and a knack for moving off-ball, Baldwin is everything the Warriors ask from their players.
He has great mobility on offense, though Baldwin has been a bit stiff on defense throughout his career.
Time will tell just how raw Baldwin’s skill set is but he was the No. 1 prospect in his class only a year ago before an ankle injury and lackluster college season tanked his value.
At his best, Baldwin is a lanky forward with size and athleticism that can shoot the ball efficiently. Round out his defensive potential and Baldwin is a two-way star.
Whether he can reach that ceiling is beside the point — because Baldwin’s build lends him to be a solid role player, regardless.
Stepping in as a catch-and-shoot player in the frontcourt would be more than enough to make Baldwin a welcomed addition to the Warriors.