NBA Future Watch: Patrick Baldwin, Jr. Basketball Cards, Golden State Warriors – Patrick Baldwin Jr. is a highly decorated player with a five-star recruit pedigree. His only real adversity has come in the past two seasons. Once a sure-fire lottery selection, Baldwin got knocked down to #28 in the 2022 NBA Draft. However, that pick was owned by the defending champion Warriors, who were thrilled to be able to buy low on a player of Baldwin’s ability. They see him as a key part of their “extending dominance” strategy.
Playing for Hamilton High School in suburban Milwaukee, Baldwin kept improving through a breakout junior season that saw him achieve 24.3 PPG and 10.8 RPG. However, an ankle injury ended Baldwin’s senior season just two games in. His track record did earn him designation on the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit rosters. After the season, Baldwin contributed to Team USA’s gold medal at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
The youngest-ever player to receive a scholarship offer from Duke, Baldwin instead chose to play for his father at Milwaukee. In doing so, he became the highest-rated prospect ever to attend a Horizon League school. As such, Baldwin bravely accepted the challenge of maintaining his elite draft status while facing mid-major competition. The gamble paid immediate dividends in Baldwin’s debut against North Dakota on November 9, 2021. His 21 points and 10 rebounds marked the first double-double for a player debuting in a Panther uniform since 2008 and the most points for a freshman in a season opener since 1999. Nine days later, a 13-point effort at Florida provided solid results against elevated competition on the road.
Not long thereafter, leg injuries and COVID-19 conspired to keep Baldwin on the shelf for much of the rest of the season, depriving him of the opportunity to dominate. Still, Baldwin declared for the draft and landed in Golden State with a chance to join their core as it evolves.
The Warriors have thrived with player development over the years and what they see in Baldwin is obvious. He is a combo forward capable of scoring from all spots on the floor, with good ballhandling capability for a man of his size and strengths in transition and off-ball. Obviously, maintaining durability will be a focus, which could have the added effect of increasing his athleticism in the right sports science program. Playing with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson throughout the remainder of their time in San Francisco will maximize Baldwin’s chances of joining them as a league icon.
NBA Future Watch: Patrick Baldwin, Jr. Basketball Cards, Golden State Warriors – Stats
Statistical image generated on Sports Reference 08/07/2022
NBA Future Watch: Patrick Baldwin, Jr. Basketball Cards, Golden State Warriors – More Resources
- Secondary Market Pricing
- Beckett Card Catalog
- NBA.com Player Profile
- 2021-22 Pro Set Power Basketball Cards
- 2021-22 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Cards
- 2022-23 Leaf Draft Basketball Cards
- Patrick Baldwin, Jr. on Instagram
- Patrick Baldwin, Jr. on Twitter
NBA Future Watch: Patrick Baldwin, Jr. Basketball Cards, Golden State Warriors – Image Gallery
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