Patrick Baldwin Jr. – The trump card of the Los Angeles Clippers team

When the Golden State Warriors selected Patrick Baldwin Jr. with the 28th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the basketball world had mixed reactions. Some labeled him a “project”—a once top-ranked high school prospect whose college struggles at Milwaukee dampened his draft stock. But fast forward to 2025, and Patrick Baldwin Jr. is steadily carving out his niche as a critical piece in the rebuilding puzzle of the Washington Wizards.

A Tumultuous Start

Coming out of Hamilton High School in Wisconsin, Baldwin Jr. was heralded as one of the nation’s best. His size, shooting stroke, and ball-handling skills for a 6-foot-10 forward drew comparisons to NBA elites. But instead of joining a powerhouse college program, he chose to play for his father at UW-Milwaukee—a noble decision, but one that raised eyebrows.

His freshman year was marred by injuries and inconsistency. Despite his clear upside, scouts were skeptical about how his game would translate to the pros. That led to him sliding all the way to the late first round, where the Warriors, known for their player development, took a flier on him.

Golden State: Lessons in Patience

With limited minutes behind stars like Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, Baldwin Jr.‘s rookie year was quiet but filled with learning moments. Practicing alongside future Hall of Famers, he absorbed the nuances of team basketball, defensive rotations, and professional preparation.
| Patrick Baldwin Jr.: I was learning every single day, just trying to soak up everything from vets like Draymond and Steph.

His second season saw a bump in playing time, especially in low-stakes games. But the Warriors, chasing championships and battling roster congestion, traded him in a multi-team deal that sent him to Washington. It might have seemed like a demotion at first glance, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that could’ve happened to him.

Fresh Start in D.C.

The Wizards, amid a full-scale rebuild, needed young talent to mold. With Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole leading the charge, Baldwin Jr. was given the green light to play through mistakes and showcase his full skill set. No longer overshadowed by All-Stars, he started to find rhythm in his game.

Coaches raved about his work ethic, defensive awareness, and unselfishness. While his stats might not jump off the page, advanced metrics told a deeper story. His on/off splits, defensive win shares, and three-point efficiency all began trending upward.
| Wizards Coach Brian Keefe: Pat brings balance. He guards multiple positions, spreads the floor, and makes the right reads. That doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it matters.

Summer League Spark

In the 2025 NBA Summer League, Baldwin Jr. took on a leadership role. While many former first-rounders skip this offseason event, he embraced it, guiding younger players and sharpening his offensive aggression. He averaged 18.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and shot a sizzling 43% from deep.

Fans and analysts took notice. No longer was he viewed as a “what-if” story but as a legitimate stretch-four who could grow into a consistent starter. His decision-making, especially in pick-and-pop situations, looked far more mature.

A Quiet Cornerstone

Unlike flashy stars who dominate social media, Patrick Baldwin Jr. thrives in the shadows. He doesn’t seek headlines or viral moments. Instead, he focuses on consistency, communication, and cohesion. In a locker room full of evolving identities, he provides quiet leadership.

His role in the Wizards’ long-term blueprint is increasingly clear. He fits the modern NBA mold: tall, versatile, and smart. If Washington builds a playoff-caliber squad in the next two to three seasons, don’t be surprised if Baldwin Jr. is anchoring the frontcourt.
| Patrick Baldwin Jr.: I’m just here to do my job, help us win, and grow with this team. That’s the mission.

Embracing the Role Player Mentality

One of the hardest transitions for former high school stars is shifting from being the go-to guy to embracing a role that emphasizes team over individual stats. But Patrick Baldwin Jr. has taken that shift in stride. Instead of forcing shots or chasing stat lines, he’s leaned into being a connector—a player who keeps the ball moving, covers defensive lapses, and spaces the floor effectively.

Coaches and teammates often refer to him as a “glue guy,” someone whose presence helps tie the unit together, even if fans or fantasy leagues don’t always notice.
| Jordan Poole: Pat might not yell or flex, but when he’s on the floor, we feel it. He keeps things calm, makes the right play. Every team needs that.

Unlocking His Shooting Potential

Arguably the most tantalizing aspect of Baldwin Jr.’s game is his shooting. Coming out of high school, he was billed as a near-elite shooter with deep range. Although his college stint failed to showcase that consistency, the mechanics were always there—fluid, high release, and balanced.

Now, under the guidance of the Wizards’ shooting coaches, those mechanics are paying off. In the 2024–2025 season, he’s hitting over 39% of his threes on solid volume, often spotting up from the corners or trailing in transition. His ability to draw defenders out opens up lanes for slashers like Bilal Coulibaly and Johnny Davis, creating ripple effects throughout the offense.

Defensive Growth and Versatility

Defense was once seen as a weakness in Baldwin Jr.’s game—partly due to questions about foot speed and lateral mobility. But through dedicated offseason work and game reps, he’s flipped that narrative. Now, he’s often tasked with guarding wings, stretch forwards, and even the occasional small-ball center.

Though he may not lead the team in blocks or steals, he consistently grades out well in advanced metrics like Defensive Box Plus/Minus and opponent field goal percentage when he’s the primary defender.
| Defensive Coordinator Jesse Mermuys: Pat doesn’t gamble. He just stays solid, makes you work. That’s what you want in a young forward.

Chemistry with Core Players

The Wizards are still in the early stages of building a competitive roster, but pieces are beginning to fall into place. Kyle Kuzma brings veteran scoring. Jordan Poole adds playmaking flair. Young guns like Coulibaly and Davis inject energy. And Baldwin Jr.? He’s the steadying force.

His ability to adapt—sometimes playing off the bench, other times starting at the four—gives Coach Brian Keefe lineup flexibility. That trust between Baldwin Jr. and his teammates is visible on the court, especially during tight possessions where he often makes the “hockey assist” or last-rotation stop.

Off the Court Impact

Off the court, Patrick Baldwin Jr. continues to display the humility and intelligence that made him such a high-character draft pick. He’s active in the Washington community, participating in youth camps and school visits. He’s also known as one of the more cerebral players in the locker room—someone who watches film religiously and asks pointed questions during team meetings.
| Patrick Baldwin Jr.: I just want to keep getting better, be someone my teammates can count on, and represent the city the right way.

The Wizards’ front office has taken notice. Team President Michael Winger called him “a foundational culture piece.” In a league where locker room chemistry often determines long-term success, that endorsement speaks volumes.

What’s Next for Baldwin Jr.?

Looking ahead, Patrick Baldwin Jr. is positioning himself to be more than just a role player. With continued development, he could grow into a starter who plays 30+ minutes a night, or even a Sixth Man of the Year-type contributor if kept in a hybrid bench role.

His contract remains team-friendly, which makes him an asset both on the court and in the front office’s long-term planning. Don’t be surprised if the Wizards lock him up with an extension sooner rather than later.

He may not be the flashiest name on the Wizards’ roster, but Patrick Baldwin Jr. represents something just as important: sustainability. His evolution from a once-questioned draft pick into a two-way contributor with real impact is the kind of success story that rebuilding franchises dream of. And as the league continues to evolve, players like Baldwin Jr.—versatile, low-maintenance, and smart—will always have a place.