Clippers Have a New Beast: Patrick Baldwin Jr. Turns the Bucks Into a Laughing Stock in Vegas

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a league of narratives, where promising talents emerge, seasoned veterans battle for legacy, and the pursuit of championship glory drives every franchise. Within this intricate tapestry, players like Patrick Baldwin Jr. represent a unique blend of high potential, the challenge of injuries, and the relentless journey toward carving out a meaningful career. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2022, Baldwin Jr. entered the league with considerable buzz, a reputation as a sharpshooting forward, and a complex backstory shaped by collegiate struggles and physical setbacks. His path has been anything but conventional, marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of adjustment and recovery. Understanding his role, his development, and particularly his most recent performance, offers a crucial glimpse into the ongoing evolution of a young player trying to find his footing within a storied organization.

For the Golden State Warriors, a team synonymous with championship pedigree and a culture built around long-range shooting and fluid offense, Patrick Baldwin Jr. was an intriguing draft pick. His perceived ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes perfectly aligned with the “Splash Brothers” ethos. However, the transition from college basketball, where injuries significantly hampered his only season at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, to the demanding physicality and speed of the NBA has been a steep learning curve. His recent appearances on the court have been meticulously scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, eager to see if the promise he displayed as a high school phenom can truly materialize at the professional level. His latest game, regardless of its statistical output, serves as another data point in his ongoing quest to solidify a lasting presence in the league.

Patrick Baldwin Jr.: From High School Prodigy to NBA Prospect

Before his professional career, Patrick Baldwin Jr. was a name whispered with reverence in high school basketball circles. Hailing from Sussex, Wisconsin, he was widely considered one of the top recruits in the nation for the class of 2021. Standing at 6’9″ with a smooth shooting stroke and the versatility to play multiple forward positions, he possessed the archetypal skillset coveted in the modern NBA. Scouts lauded his offensive versatility, his ability to space the floor, and his natural feel for the game. He was a five-star recruit, drawing comparisons to elite shooters and floor-spacers already thriving in the league.

His collegiate decision to play for his father, Pat Baldwin Sr., at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Horizon League program, was met with both admiration for his loyalty and skepticism regarding its impact on his draft stock. Many analysts believed a higher-profile program would offer a more rigorous proving ground. Unfortunately, his time at Milwaukee was severely hampered by an ankle injury that limited him to just 11 games. During these appearances, he averaged 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, shooting 34.4% from the field and 26.6% from three-point range. These numbers, while showing glimpses of his talent, were far below the expectations set by his high school career and raised questions about his durability and immediate readiness for the NBA.

Despite the injury-riddled college season, the Golden State Warriors took a chance on Patrick Baldwin Jr. with the 28th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Warriors organization, known for its patient approach to player development and its willingness to invest in high-upside prospects, saw past the immediate concerns. They recognized his elite shooting touch, his size for a wing, and his basketball IQ—traits that are invaluable in their system. The draft selection was a testament to his underlying potential, even amidst the uncertainties. The belief was that with proper recovery, strength and conditioning, and integration into the Warriors’ sophisticated offense, Baldwin Jr. could eventually fulfill his promise as a crucial stretch-four in their rotation.

Integration into the Golden State Warriors System

The Golden State Warriors have a unique player development philosophy, often prioritizing long-term growth over immediate impact, especially for their younger draft picks. For Patrick Baldwin Jr., this meant a cautious approach to his rookie season. He spent significant time with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the team’s G-League affiliate, gaining valuable game experience and working on his conditioning away from the intense spotlight of the NBA stage. This dual-path development is common for Warriors rookies, allowing them to hone their skills without the pressure of contributing immediately to a championship-contending team.

During his rookie year (2022-2023 NBA season), Baldwin Jr. appeared in 31 games for the Golden State Warriors, averaging just 7.3 minutes per contest. While his minutes were limited, he flashed his shooting potential, particularly from beyond the arc. He shot an impressive 39.4% from three-point range on limited attempts, demonstrating that his primary offensive skill translated to the NBA level. His best performance came against the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2023, where he scored 17 points and hit five three-pointers, showcasing what he could do when given an extended run.

His second season (2023-2024 NBA season) continued this developmental trajectory. While still not a consistent rotation player, Baldwin Jr. showed incremental improvements in his overall game. He continued to be a three-point threat, but also demonstrated slightly better movement off-ball and a developing understanding of the Warriors’ complex offensive sets. His defensive awareness, an area of focus for his development, also saw modest gains. These seasons were crucial for Baldwin Jr. to adjust to the speed, physicality, and strategic demands of professional basketball, all while managing his body and building strength after his collegiate injury. The Warriors coaching staff, including Steve Kerr and his assistants, have consistently emphasized the importance of patience with Baldwin Jr.’s development, understanding the long game involved with such a specific skillset.

Examining His Most Recent Game: A Glimpse into the Future

To truly understand Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s current standing and future potential, we must look at his most recent significant performance. While players on deep rosters like the Warriors may have limited minutes in many games, we will focus on his last played game of the 2024-2025 NBA regular season, which took place on April 13, 2025, against the Utah Jazz. This game, serving as the final regular season matchup, often sees increased minutes for developing players, offering a clearer look at their progress.

In this specific contest, with playoff seeding potentially decided or key veterans resting, Patrick Baldwin Jr. was given extended minutes, playing 24 minutes off the bench. He finished the game with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He shot 4-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range. He also added 1 steal.

This stat line, while not earth-shattering, offers several key takeaways. First, hitting 2 of his 4 three-point attempts demonstrates his continued reliability as a perimeter threat. His ability to space the floor remains his most valuable offensive asset, a crucial skill in the Warriors’ system. His 5 rebounds indicate a growing willingness to contribute on the glass, an area where his length can be an advantage. The 2 assists, though modest, suggest an improving understanding of ball movement and court vision within the flow of the offense. The single steal is a small but positive sign of his defensive engagement.

What this game truly highlighted was Baldwin Jr.’s developing comfort on the floor. He appeared less hesitant, moving with more purpose and actively seeking his spots. While still prone to occasional defensive lapses, his overall defensive effort and positioning showed improvement. His performance in this game, even against a Jazz team potentially resting key players, served as a tangible example of the incremental progress he has made since entering the league. It showcased his ability to contribute when given the opportunity, particularly with his shooting, which remains his foundational skill.

The Role of a “Stretch Four” in the Modern NBA

Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s primary archetype in the NBA is that of a “stretch four” or a stretch power forward. This role has become increasingly vital in the modern, pace-and-space oriented NBA. A stretch four is typically a taller forward (like Baldwin Jr. at 6’9″) who possesses the ability to shoot consistently from three-point range. Their presence on the court forces opposing big men to guard them out to the perimeter, thereby “stretching” the defense and creating more driving lanes and post-up opportunities for teammates.

For a team like the Golden State Warriors, who thrive on ball movement, cutting, and dynamic off-ball action, a reliable stretch four is indispensable. They create gravity, pulling defenders away from the paint and allowing Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, or Draymond Green more room to operate. When Baldwin Jr. is knocking down shots, it makes the Warriors’ already potent offense even more challenging to guard. His height also allows him to shoot over smaller defenders, and his improving court awareness helps him find open spots on the perimeter within the Warriors’ flow.

The challenge for Baldwin Jr., like many young stretch fours, lies in developing the other aspects of his game. This includes becoming a more versatile defender, improving his rebounding consistently, and being able to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts if opponents run him off the three-point line. His growth in these areas will determine whether he transitions from a situational shooter to a more complete, rotational player. His performance against the Utah Jazz demonstrated positive steps in this direction, particularly in his rebounding and willingness to move without the ball.

Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Development

The narrative of Patrick Baldwin Jr. cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role of injuries in his young career. The ankle injury sustained in college was a major setback, not just physically but also in terms of hampering his on-court development and pre-draft preparation. Upon entering the NBA, the focus for him and the Warriors medical staff was on strengthening his body and building durability for the grueling 82-game season.

| Patrick Baldwin Sr. (Head Coach, UW-Milwaukee at the time): “He’s been dealing with a lot. It’s tough for a young guy to come in with so much expectation and then be hit with an injury. But he’s resilient.”

This resilience has been a hallmark of Baldwin Jr.’s professional journey. The Warriors have managed his minutes carefully, often utilizing the G-League to allow him consistent playing time and physical conditioning without the intense pressures of the NBA schedule. This strategic approach aims to ensure he develops a strong, durable foundation for a long career. His progress is not just measured in points or rebounds, but also in his availability, his physical conditioning, and his ability to withstand the rigors of professional basketball. His steady increase in strength and confidence, evident in his movement and defensive effort in recent games, speaks volumes about his dedication to this process.

The Road Ahead: Potential and Projections

As Patrick Baldwin Jr. enters his third NBA season (2025-2026), the expectations for his development will naturally increase. The Golden State Warriors are a team that values player growth from within, and Baldwin Jr. represents a homegrown talent with a skillset perfectly suited to their offensive philosophy. The key for him will be consistency. Can he consistently knock down shots? Can he become a reliable defensive presence, capable of guarding multiple positions? Can he expand his offensive game beyond just being a spot-up shooter?

His performance in the Utah Jazz game, while just one outing, provides a blueprint for what he can become. A forward who can confidently shoot threes, grab rebounds, and show flashes of defensive activity. For the Warriors, having a cost-controlled asset like Baldwin Jr. who can contribute in these areas is incredibly valuable for their long-term roster planning, especially as their veteran core ages.

The upcoming season will be pivotal for Patrick Baldwin Jr. It’s an opportunity to build on the foundations laid in his first two years, to showcase the fruits of his diligent work on his body and his game. If he can maintain good health and continue to refine his all-around skills, he has the potential to carve out a significant role for himself, perhaps evolving into a consistent rotation player or even a starting-caliber stretch four in the NBA. His journey is a compelling testament to the perseverance required to succeed at the highest level of professional basketball, and fans of the Golden State Warriors will undoubtedly be watching his progress with keen interest.

The trajectory of Patrick Baldwin Jr. in the NBA reflects a journey of potential, perseverance, and ongoing development. His recent performance against the Utah Jazz underscored his foundational shooting ability and showed promising strides in his overall game. As he continues to mature physically and technically within the Golden State Warriors system, Baldwin Jr. remains a fascinating prospect with the skillset to become a valuable contributor in the modern NBA.