The Golden State Warriors have a strong track record of building through the NBA Draft and all signs indicate they have struck gold again in Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors coaching staff are beyond excited about their newest rookie, Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Selected 28 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Baldwin is expected to fill the same shoes as other notable gems the Dubs have found in the back of the order. Jordan Poole and Draymond Green are both classic examples of late-picks the Warriors made the most of.
More enticing, Baldwin was at the top of his class prior to suffering an injury. It’s possible the Warriors really have a dominant talent brewing under the surface.
And, it sounds like the coaching staff is already seeing this potential bubble.
In an appearance on the TK Show with Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, Steve Kerr commented on how Baldwin has performed during the offseason.
"“All the coaches were texting me, while I was gone, just raving about how knowledgable he is, what great feel he has.”Steve Kerr on Patrick Baldwin Jr. (The Athletic)"
This quote is very telling. While yes, Kerr is expected to praise his own players — highlighting the rookie’s feel is a huge sign of what’s to come.
Being a dominant athlete is one thing. Having a deep understanding of basketball is another. If you’re on the Warriors, the latter is going to take you to the top.
Having a high IQ on this roster just means you’re destined for success. If Baldwin can fill in naturally with the rest of the stars in Golden State, he’ll be a star in his own right soon.
A lanky 6’9″ forward with playmaking and shooting potential, Baldwin is in a position to do it all for the Warriors.