WB4 for MIP?

I agree. I also think he adds that get-under-the-opponent's-skin element that the Blazers could use more of.

 

He and Trent are both very aggressive. Could make for an interesting dual.

 

Simmons, Giannis, the offense runs through the and they can’t really shoot well. Of course they have 4-5 inches on baldwin. Just saying it “can” be overcome.

 

Funny "will he be the next CJ McCollum?"

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/2016-nba-draft-scouting-report-wade-baldwin-vanderbilt-guard

 

Haha "I try and model my game after Russel Westbrook, but have a little higher IQ."

 

I'm a fan of this kid...doesn't back down to a challenge..has a motor. Gets in Harden' head...gotta love it...I think the guy who could make the leap this summer is actually Layman...he's got game if he can shake his shooting slumps..his shot looks really good.

 

I sure would like to see that, but time is running out. I have seen him really lock down smaller players on D at times, but he just doesn't seem to put it all together in games.

 

hence...."making the leap"....he's cheap and has a year left...knows the system...I'll bet he's back next season unless we need the roster spot for a trade deal that's an impact player...lot of guys his size make the leap 3rd year

 

I should have said, "running the offense through a guy who can't score is a recipe for failure." Giannis and Simmons can score in ways Baldwin can't (and it's more than 4 - 5"), and while neither Giannis nor Simmons are great 3-point shooters, bother shot above .550 on 2FGs. Because of their size and athleticism, they have no trouble getting off their shots in traffic.

BNM

 

BTW, I like Baldwin and, of course, I'm rooting for him to succeed. He just needs to put in the work, and hopefully the improvement will come. I just think expectations of MIP or 6MOY are unrealistic.

BNM

 

I think the idea would be MIBP...most improved Blazer player...Collins probably won that last season

 

True, there is very little risk in keeping him at this point. Low cost and he is versatile enough to help at a couple positions.

 

I was responding to the OP's original post:

BNM

 

Rondo is the only player I can think of and WB doesn’t have near the vision or passing of Rondo.

I also think Rondo is ridiculously good, but doesn’t get a fair shake because he’s an asshole and literally will put 0 effort into the game if he’s bitchy.

 

6th man is highly unlikely, but MIP could happen if he gets all of Napier, and some of Patty's minutes. He will have to earn them over the rookies though.

 

He's got some moxie (needed on this team) and tremendous wingspan. Aggressive, decent vision and good athletic ability. it he can improve his shot he has the ability to make an impact....because defensively, he could be Top-3 on the roster.

 

6MOY is usually a veteran, that was a former starter, that averages 15 - 18 ppg coming off the bench - guys like Jamal Crawford, Manu Ginobili, Jason Terry, etc. Basically, an instant offense kind of player who is the number 1 scoring option when he's on the floor.

I don't see Baldwin scoring enough to earn consideration, no matter how many minutes he gets. He will most likely always be on the floor with one of Dame or C.J. and will be, at best, the number 2 scoring option (more like 3rd or 4th).

MIP usually goes to a guy who breaks out, usually a starter, guys like Oladipo, C.J., Jimmy Butler, Paul George, that average > 20 ppg for the first time. In the last 18 years, there has only been one MIP that averaged less than 16 ppg (Boris Diaw in 2005-06).

Again, I just don't see Baldwin scoring enough to be remotely considered for this award. He may improve a lot, but to go from playing 80 minutes in an entire season to winning MIP would be unprecedented.

BNM