After his draft day in 2022, 28th overall by the Golden State Warriors, Patrick Baldwin Jr., took a trip to organizations like the Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs before finding his potential long-term home with the LA Clippers.
Baldwin Jr.'s numbers in the league, as a multi-year veteran, do not look particularly impressive, as his best season was with the Wizards, where he averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds, shooting 38.1% from the field and 32.0% from beyond the arc in 13.0 minutes per game.
When the developing forward signed with the Clippers, the front office gave him a two-way contract, so that he could become the best version of himself before attempting to compete and win a role in the active rotation.
In the G-League, he had been great, averaging well over double-figures, efficiently, on all three levels. This did not automatically mean the opportunity he wanted would arise, but it was a step closer, with the next obstacle being the 2025 NBA Summer League showcase.
Baldwin Jr., as well as Cam Christie and Trentyn Flowers, were all expected to show out, and three games deep, the entire core is thriving. Questions across the roster regarding the team's future are being answered, and the offensive dominance of the one-and-done Milwaukee Panthers product has specifically solved one crucial hole for next season.
Patrick Baldwin Jr. deserves a chance to compete for the backup power forward position, as he would inevitably conqer
If no further changes are made, Nicolas Batum is expected to play power forward in the second unit. This is the honorable choice for Tyronn Lue to go with at the season opener, but at some point, he will need a pair of young legs that can impact the game at a higher caliber on offense, and that is what Patrick Baldwin Jr. has proved thus far in summer league.
In fact, his debut was Sunday night versus the Milwaukee Bucks, and Baldwin Jr. was the LA Clippers' leading scorer, 22 points, but he also recorded 13 rebounds and three steals with four buckets from a distance as a six-foot-nine forward.
His second game, against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, was shaky, but Baldwin Jr. did not allow his poor shooting to slow him down, as his defense and activity on the glass never let up.
That said, Baldwin Jr.'s pinpoint shooting at his listed size is what should prompt Lue to at least give him a try during the regular season behind John Collins. He is an exceptional talent, and will be ready, yet all he is missing is the opportunity, which the Clippers' coaching staff controls.