It’d be awesome if he can translate it to the NBA level because there’s some real value in a point guard with Baldwin’s size/length. It would also allow us to end the stupid Mccollum PG experiment.
Watched the second half. He's really good in transition, something the Blazers struggle at. Based off what I've seen, he's a point guard in the NBA. Good handle, protects the ball, good vision. He put up 19 shots yet I still feel played an unselfish game. It should translate to the NBA. I like what he does defensively as well. He's a pest and plays with fire.
He seems all business, not dazed and confused like some of our past D-Leaguers. The Peter Principle says that he will be promoted to the next level until he settles into the level where he's mediocre, like Tim Frazier. The Legends twitter maker invented the nickname! He is The IV (pronounced "The Fourth"). I guess you have to go to Scalma's post to see the caption.
Because that's what option he is on offense when he's on the floor? Or maybe instead of "The Fourth", it's actually supposed to be "The I.V.", because he provides an infusion of energy, and gets under opponents' skin?
So if we nickname you "Walker," that's not a nickname because it's part of your real name that your parents gave you?
It’s funny how the video says he’s not explosive but if you look at his tape from college all the way up to now, he makes a ton of “wow” plays at the rim. His combine numbers (38” vertical) also confirm that his athleticism may have been slept on. Mix that with his size and length (he’s got the wingspan of a small forward) and you have a real threat at the rim. The two constants so far in his g league games has been his ability in transition and his ability to get to the line. I see both translating to the NBA (well actually he might not get to the line since he’s a blazer) His strengths fill some of our weaknesses. We are awful in the open court and outside of Dame, and occasionally CJ, none of our perimeter players attack the basket. I don’t think he’ll be a factor this season, but that could change post deadline.
The Stotts system is all about outside shooting. That's why Connaughton whips it outside whenever he's holding the ball right under the hoop. He's husky and on any other team the coach would want him to muscle it up.
I disagree with this as being the reason why Pat does this and it's an assumption on your part. Can't blame everything on the coach.
He’s not a good finisher at the rim, have you seen what’s happened when he tries? In this case, he’s actually playing smart.
After appearing in 33 games his rookie season, Baldwin moved on from Memphis and trekked to the West coast for a change, signing a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Baldwin had multiple two-way offers on the table but saw a prime opportunity with Portland. “When I got released from Memphis, I waited like four or five days. I had a couple options between what teams wanted to offer me a two-way. I just looked at the guards they have there with Dame (Damian Lillard) and C.J. (McCollum). They offered me a little bit more days, a little bit more money so I took that opportunity. “They have a tremendous coaching staff. I love the way their guards play so if I can fit into them, you know it’s great. They don’t have a G League team so I knew it was kind of open. Maybe now I won’t be under just one (NBA) team. Now the Mavs can see me. It was a perfect fit. Coach (MacKinnon) has the most call-ups in G League history and the whole recipe is right here for me. Now it’s all on me.” http://texas.gleague.nba.com/news/episode-iv-wade-baldwin-story/ 1. I like how competitive he is and sees our backcourt as an opportunity. Could’ve probably went to a team without a set backcourt. 2. What does “more days” mean? 3. Baldwin plays tonight at 5PST. The legends also run a similar offense to Portland’s (duh, Carlisle/Stotts) so if Dame has to sit multiple games, I could see Baldwin get called up.
my favorite from the article: "It’s unique that a player genuinely loves to play defense, but Baldwin certainly enjoys locking down an opponent."
Just watched a full G league game live. Was worth it. Baldwin: 32 points (12-21 shooting) 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals.
