Shocking Revelation: What Made Baldwin Jr. Change 180 Degrees At Summer League 2025?

The summer of 2025 has been a season of quiet resurgence, a period marked not by thunderous dunks or highlight-reel crossovers, but by a subtle, yet undeniably impactful, transformation. At the heart of this narrative lies Patrick Baldwin Jr., the young forward whose journey through the NBA has been a testament to perseverance amidst lofty expectations and unforeseen challenges. As the lights dim on the 2025 Summer League in Las Vegas, it’s Baldwin Jr.’s understated, yet remarkably effective, return to form that has quietly become one of the most compelling storylines. His performance hasn’t screamed for attention, but rather, it has whispered volumes about his potential, reminding everyone why he was once considered a top prospect and affirming his place as a valuable piece for the Washington Wizards.

The Burden of Promise: A Rocky Road to the NBA

Before he even stepped onto a college court, Patrick Baldwin Jr. was a name whispered with reverence in scouting circles. Hailing from Sussex, Wisconsin, he was a five-star recruit, consistently ranked among the top players in the 2021 high school class. His impressive combination of size (6’10”), shooting prowess, and fluid athleticism for his position drew comparisons to modern NBA wings. He had the physical tools and the silky smooth jumper to become a versatile offensive threat, capable of scoring at all three levels. Analysts raved about his potential to be a lottery pick, a future cornerstone for an NBA franchise.

However, the path from highly-touted prospect to NBA contributor is rarely linear. Baldwin Jr.’s college career at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, under his father, Pat Baldwin Sr., was unfortunately marred by injuries and inconsistent play. A significant ankle injury limited him to just 11 games during his freshman season, sidelining him for crucial development time and preventing him from truly showcasing his full capabilities. While he displayed flashes of his talent, averaging 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, his shooting efficiency dipped, and the team struggled, placing an undue burden on his injured frame. This period was a harsh dose of reality, tempering the sky-high expectations that had followed him for years. The injury concerns and lack of dominant college production caused his draft stock to slide from projected lottery pick to the end of the first round.

Despite the collegiate struggles, the Golden State Warriors saw enough of his underlying talent and potential. They selected Baldwin Jr. with the 28th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, a move that underscored their belief in his long-term ceiling. The Warriors, known for their player development and patient approach, seemed like an ideal landing spot for a player who needed time to heal and refine his game. However, his tenure with the defending champions was largely defined by limited opportunities and continued health management. He played sparingly in his rookie season, appearing in 31 games and averaging just 3.9 points in 7.3 minutes, often shuttling between the main roster and the G-League‘s Santa Cruz Warriors. He showed flashes of his shooting touch, but consistent playing time remained elusive in a deep, championship-contending roster.

A New Chapter: The Washington Wizards and a Fresh Start

The turning point for Patrick Baldwin Jr. came in July 2023, when he was part of the trade package that sent Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jordan Poole and other assets, including Baldwin Jr., who landed with the Washington Wizards. This move, while initially viewed as part of a larger trade for the Wizards to rebuild, offered Baldwin Jr. something invaluable: a fresh start and a clearer path to playing time.

The Wizards were embarking on a full-scale rebuild, stripping down their roster and prioritizing the development of young talent. For Baldwin Jr., this meant less pressure to contribute to a contender immediately and more opportunities to play through mistakes and learn on the fly. The 2023-24 season with the Wizards was still a learning experience, marked by continued adjustment to the NBA game. He appeared in 40 games, averaging 4.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.2 minutes. While not eye-popping numbers, he showed incremental improvements, particularly in his understanding of defensive schemes and his ability to contribute as a floor-spacer. The Wizards coaching staff, recognizing his potential, dedicated time to his development, focusing on strengthening his frame, refining his shot mechanics, and expanding his offensive repertoire beyond just spot-up shooting. It was a year of quiet work, away from the intense media scrutiny of a championship team, allowing Baldwin Jr. to focus purely on his game.

The Offseason Grind: Laying the Foundation for a Comeback

The period leading up to the 2025 Summer League was crucial for Patrick Baldwin Jr. It was an offseason where he recommitted himself to a rigorous training regimen, focusing on both physical and skill development. Reports from the Wizards’ training staff indicated a significant increase in his strength and conditioning, addressing one of the primary concerns that had plagued him since his college days. He dedicated countless hours to fine-tuning his shooting, working on his release speed and consistency, particularly off the dribble and coming off screens.

Beyond the physical improvements, Baldwin Jr. also sharpened his mental game. He spent time studying film, analyzing his own tendencies, and understanding how to be more effective within an NBA offense. He worked on his decision-making, aiming to reduce turnovers and make quicker reads. This comprehensive approach signaled a player determined to shed the “injury-prone” and “underperformer” labels that had subtly attached themselves to his name. He understood that the 2025 Summer League was not just another set of exhibition games, but a vital platform to showcase the fruits of his labor and demonstrate his readiness for a more substantial role in the upcoming season.

| Wizards Training Staff Member: “Pat came into this offseason with a real purpose. He knew what he needed to improve, and he attacked it head-on. There was no flash, just consistent, hard work. He’s stronger, he’s smarter, and you can see the confidence growing with every rep.”

Summer League 2025: The Silent Roar of Resurgence

The 2025 Summer League began, and while headlines initially focused on flashier lottery picks and high-flying rookies, Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s performance steadily built a compelling case for himself. His return wasn’t about dominating the ball or forcing contested shots; it was about efficiency, smart decision-making, and impactful play that contributed to winning.

Baldwin Jr. showcased a noticeably improved physique, moving more fluidly on both ends of the floor. Offensively, his shot looked consistently pure. He knocked down threes at an impressive clip, often from difficult angles and contested situations, demonstrating the benefit of his offseason work. What stood out even more was his shot selection – he wasn’t forcing shots, but rather taking what the defense gave him, moving effectively off-ball to find open spaces. His ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes, often coming off screens, was particularly encouraging for a Wizards team in need of reliable floor-spacers.

Beyond his shooting, Baldwin Jr. displayed a more complete offensive game. He attacked closeouts with greater confidence, using his improved handle to get to the rim or pull up for mid-range jumpers. His passing, always an underrated aspect of his game, was sharp and decisive, as he routinely found cutters and open teammates, showcasing an increased feel for the game. He averaged around 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, but it was his efficiency that truly shone, consistently shooting above 50% from the field and 40% from deep. These numbers, while strong, don’t fully capture the impact of his quiet leadership and consistent effort.

Defensively, Baldwin Jr. demonstrated significant strides. He was more engaged on that end, using his length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. He moved his feet better on the perimeter, staying in front of smaller guards and effectively switching onto bigger forwards. His rebounding, always a strength for his position, remained excellent, allowing the Wizards to initiate transition opportunities more frequently. He didn’t chase highlight blocks or steals, but his consistent effort and improved understanding of team defense made him a reliable presence.

| NBA Scout: “You watch Baldwin Jr. now, and it’s not about the flash, it’s about the fundamental soundness. He’s making the right play, hitting tough shots, and actually defending. He’s not doing anything spectacular, but he’s doing everything effectively. That’s the sign of a player who’s figured it out.”

This “silent but strong” approach was a deliberate choice by Baldwin Jr. and the Wizards coaching staff. Instead of trying to prove he was a star, he focused on proving he was a valuable, dependable, and efficient NBA player. This understated yet impactful performance at the 2025 Summer League has undoubtedly earned him a significant role heading into the upcoming NBA season.

Implications for the Washington Wizards

Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s impressive showing at the 2025 Summer League is incredibly significant for the Washington Wizards. As a rebuilding team, finding players who can outperform their draft position and develop into consistent contributors is paramount. Baldwin Jr.’s performance suggests he is poised to do just that. His improved shooting, versatile offense, and committed defense make him an ideal fit for the modern NBA game and the Wizards‘ desired style of play.

He offers valuable spacing on offense, creating driving lanes for ball-handlers and opportunities for cutters. His ability to rebound from the wing also adds another dimension to the Wizards‘ frontcourt. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions, providing much-needed versatility and length. His growth aligns perfectly with the team’s timeline, as they look to build a competitive roster around their emerging young core.

His quietly effective Summer League means he’s no longer just a project; he’s a legitimate rotation player, capable of contributing meaningful minutes. This reduces the pressure on other young players and provides the Wizards with a crucial piece as they navigate the challenging landscape of the Eastern Conference. Baldwin Jr.’s return isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a strategic win for the franchise, signifying that their investment in his potential is starting to pay dividends.

The 2025 Summer League has been a quiet triumph for Patrick Baldwin Jr., showcasing a more mature, efficient, and impactful player. His journey from highly-touted prospect to a resilient comeback story underscores his dedication and the Washington Wizards’ patient development approach. This strong, understated return positions him as a vital piece for the team’s future, a testament to what consistent hard work and perseverance can achieve.