Wiz of Awes
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Patrick Baldwin Jr. could have a role similar to a former Wizards shooter

ByCem Yolbulan|
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: Patrick Baldwin Jr. #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a three-point shot over Nickeil Alexander-Walker #9 during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: Patrick Baldwin Jr. #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a three-point shot over Nickeil Alexander-Walker #9 during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

In the NBA, the game is constantly changing. However, one thing we know now about the modern game is that shooting is the premium skill. Being able to shoot from outside is an even more valuable skill as you go higher in the positional spectrum. If your forwards and big men can shoot, everything is that much easier on the basketball court. As it is for many teams in the league, shooting will be one of the most important determinants of the Washington Wizards’ success in the 2023-24 season. That is why Patrick Baldwin Jr. could have a larger-than-expected role for the team next year.

Baldwin Jr. had back-to-back lost seasons, as a college freshman in Milwaukee, and a rookie with the Golden State Warriors last year. Injuries and limited playing time prevented him from gaining confidence, consistency, and touch. Yet, he has the building blocks of an excellent jump-shooting forward with good size and length.

The player Baldwin Jr.’s game most resembles is former Wizard Davis Bertans. At 6’10, Bertans had an unblockable jump shot, which he liked to utilize coming off screens or spotting up. He had fantastic versatility, volume, and accuracy to his shot, and he quickly made a name for himself as one of the best shooting big men in the NBA.

Baldwin Jr. has similar abilities to Bertans. His shot hasn’t gone in with the same accuracy, but his 6’9 frame and high release allow him to shoot over any defender. This creates significant matchup problems for the other team while giving the Wizards another scoring threat that they can draw up plays for.

Even if the shot doesn’t go in at an elite level, the floor-spacing element of Baldwin Jr.’s game should still be an advantage. He will be guarded behind the three-point line, allowing the Wizards’ slashers to have an easier path to the basket. And if the ball goes in at a clip close to 40% from three, his gravity will do wonders for the Wizards’ offense. A player who is an off-ball threat like Baldwin Jr. will unlock the offense for the Wizards’ on-ball creators like Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, in a similar manner to what Bertans did for Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal in the Wizards’ last playoff run.

Baldwin Jr. will have some competition. Danilo Gallinari plays the same position and role and is an experienced veteran. Baldwin Jr. will have to knock down some shots early in the season to win that rotational battle. And who knows, maybe he will end up having a similarly successful Wizards stint like Davis Bertans.

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