‘He is a high-IQ player’: Patrick Baldwin Jr. earning praise in camp

Fresh off his best outing of the preseason, Baldwin earned some praise from veteran teammate Kevon Looney.

Fresh off his best outing of the preseason, Golden State Warriors rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. earned praise from veteran teammate Kevon Looney on Tuesday.

The Warriors just returned from Japan after playing two exhibition games against the Washington Wizards. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was expected to use quite a few players throughout the preseason, and Baldwin has had the opportunity to log some minutes so far.

Baldwin produced seven points in eight minutes of work during his debut on Friday. He followed with 12 points, six rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in 17 minutes on Sunday. He went 4-of-6 from 3-point range.

Looney has been impressed with his shooting to this point.

Obviously, Patrick can shoot the ball really, really well. That stands out. Usually, rookies come in and that is the one thing they do struggle with is their 3-ball, but he has been pretty consistent with it early.

Baldwin was limited to 11 games last season at Milwaukee due to an ankle injury suffered in high school. He was held out of summer league because of the injury, but is fully healthy after a busy offseason inside the gym.

During offseason workouts, Baldwin impressed the coaching staff and players around him by demonstrating his high understanding of the game. Despite a limited run in college, that aspect of his game has stood out to Looney.

His feel for the game is really high. Him being a rookie and not even playing a lot of college games, for him to have that feel already; he already knows where to be at. He picks up on everything really fast. That’s something you need to be on this team.

He is a high-IQ player. I know Steve loves guys like that. He’ll probably find his way onto the court somehow. It is going to be a lot of work. There is a lot of talent at the position but the way he shoots it and his feel for the game, he is already taking a step in the right direction.

With the Warriors looking to rest some of their veterans throughout the preseason, Baldwin could continue to see playing time over their last three tune-up games. The opportunity will prove to be valuable for him to get adjusted and learn the Warriors’ season.

Golden State returns to play on Sunday versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Rookie Report: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins debut in preseason opener vs. Wizards

In the Warriors’ preseason opener against the Wizards, rookies Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins made their debuts.

Along with the official start of the preseason, the Golden State Warriors contest against the Washington Wizards on Friday marked the debut of two rookies in blue and gold.

For the first time since being drafted in June, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins played alongside their new teammates with the Warriors. Both Baldwin Jr. and Rollins were absent from the Calfornia Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League due to injuries.

On Friday morning in Japan, the pair of rookies debuted for the Golden State Warriors.

The No. 28 overall pick played eight minutes off the bench, scoring seven points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field. Baldwin Jr. added one rebound against the Wizards.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Via @itskellyo on Twitter:

Rollins added eight points on 1-of-8 shooting from the field with four boards and an assist in 11 minutes. The Tulsa product did most of his damage at the free throw line, cashing in all six of his attempts from the stripe.

In Golden State’s rematch against the Wizards on Saturday evening, both Baldwin Jr. and Rollins will likely be back on the floor for more preseason work at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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Warriors’ Patrick Baldwin Jr. reacts to first preseason game

With the Warriors tipping off the preseason on Friday in Japan, the contest gave the team its first look at Baldwin.

With the Golden State Warriors tipping off their preseason schedule on Friday in Japan, the contest gave the team its first look at rookies Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins.

Though James Wiseman stole the show with 20 points, the two rookies saw time in the 96-87 win over the Washington Wizards. Baldwin finished with seven points and one rebound in eight minutes, while Rollins had eight points and four rebounds in 11 minutes.

They entered the game in the third quarter once the starters were done. Once in the game, Baldwin connected on his first 3-point attempt, which was set up by Rollins. Baldwin finished 2-of-4 from the field; Rollins was 1-of-6.

For Baldwin, it was rewarding to see his first shot go down.

Getting that first shot to fall is pretty much everything for me. It gave me a big boost of confidence and allowed me to play my game for those short minutes I was in. A big credit to all of the people that helped me and the team I have behind me to get back to this point. It has just been great to get back out here.

Of course, Baldwin played 11 games last season at Milwaukee due to an ankle injury suffered in high school. He was held out of summer league because of the injury but is fully healthy after a busy offseason inside the gym.

He had the opportunity to spend some time with Rollins as the two get acclimated to their new team. It has helped them with the transition on and off the court.

We’re both coming in as rookies this year and are both kinda in the same boat. Just building that chemistry through workouts and spending time off the court with each other has been big for us. To see it come to fruition with our first bucket and first assist is pretty special.

Warriors president Bob Myers hinted Baldwin could spend time this season in the NBA G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors. He will likely be in mostly a developmental role this year, but the team is very high on his future and he showed some of his potential on Friday.

Golden State wraps up its trip to Japan on Sunday at 1 a.m. EDT.

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Watch: Rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. showing off smooth jumper at Warriors practice

The rookie’s jumper was on display at a recent Warriors practice.

Training camp and the preseason will give fans of the Golden State Warriors their first opportunity to see rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. on the court.

Since drafting Baldwin Jr. out of Milwaukee with the No. 28 overall pick, the 19-year-old has been sidelined due to an ankle injury. Baldwin Jr. missed all of the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League due to injuries.

With training camp officially underway, Baldwin Jr. is healthy and back on the court. On Monday at the Warriors facility in San Francisco, Baldwin Jr. was showing off his jumper from beyond the arc. The former five-star recruit was getting up shots all around the 3-point line.

Via @JDumasReports on Twitter:

In 11 games in college at Milwaukee, Baldwin Jr. averaged 12.1 points on 34.4% shooting from the floor, 5.8 boards, 1.5 assists and 28.5 minutes per contest.

With preseason games quickly approaching, Baldwin Jr. could see his first action in a Warriors uniform soon. Following the first few practices in San Francisco, the Warriors will travel to Tokyo to open the preseason against the Washington Wizards on Sep. 30.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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Steve Kerr: No injury restrictions for Baldwin, Rollins in training camp

Steve Kerr said the Warriors do not have any injury concerns on the roster entering training camp.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said the team does not have any injury concerns on the roster entering training camp, which begins Saturday.

The Warriors tip off their preseason schedule a bit earlier than other teams by virtue of playing the Washington Wizards on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan. It marks the first visit to the country for both teams.

The injury news is rather encouraging, especially regarding their two incoming rookie players. Patrick Baldwin Jr. (ankle) and Ryan Rollins (foot) missed summer league while dealing with various injuries, but both are ready to go, according to Kerr.

We’re expecting everybody to be ready to go. But we will take precautionary measures for anybody, especially our veteran guys. If there’s anything, especially early in camp, we want to make sure we ramp them up at the right pace. We’ll get a good feel for that the first day or two.

Warriors president Bob Myers said Kerr plans on using a lot of players in the preseason, likely in an effort to keep their veterans fresh. The five preseason games could serve as a great opportunity for Baldwin and Rollins after sitting out summer league.

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Baldwin and Rollins will likely see quite a bit of time in the NBA G League this season. The team has often utilized the Santa Cruz Warriors for younger players out of the rotation to keep them sharp, and that could be the case for Baldwin and Rollins.

The Warriors like their two rookies and believe they can play vital roles down the road. Players have succeeded in the Warriors’ system and it will be worth monitoring how Baldwin and Rollins develop this season.

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Warriors’ Bob Myers explains possible role for Patrick Baldwin Jr.

Myers explained how the team may use rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. to start the season.

Golden State Warriors president Bob Myers on Thursday explained rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. could start the season in the NBA G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors.

Baldwin did not play in summer league due to an ankle injury, but he has impressed the team during offseason workouts. The coaches and trainers raved about his intellect and IQ on the court, and they believe he has a bright future.

The 28th pick likely faces a difficult road in terms of playing time this season on such a veteran-heavy team. As a result, Myers said he’ll likely see time with Santa Cruz.

We talked about it the other day as far as what we expect. I think he starts there, but I don’t want to take away his chance to earn minutes. Steve is probably going to play a lot of guys in the preseason. After the sixth guy, it’s kind of who takes it. Is he going to take it? I don’t know, but there’s opportunity for him if he can grab it.

Baldwin averaged 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 11 games last season at Milwaukee through his injury. He produced his best game of the season in his debut, recording a double-double on Nov. 9 with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

The Warriors view the selection of Baldwin from an upside standpoint and are banking he can develop into the prospect many thought he could be in high school. Myers said he is doing all of the right things at this point in the process.

All we can expect at this point is does the guy show up? Does he work hard? Is he a good kid? He’s doing all those things. We haven’t seen him play against the big guns. We are not looking at him like he’s going to help us (now) but we are looking at him as if he could help us in the future. He has all the attributes that usually lead to success: Size, skill and acumen. He looks healthy now. I am hesitant to say anybody is great or not early, but he’s done a nice job this offseason.

The Warriors tip off their preseason on Sept. 30 with two games in Japan against the Washington Wizards. Baldwin, who has no injury limitations, could see minutes in the preseason, especially if the team wants to limit time for its veterans.

As the defending champs, the Warriors may not need Baldwin to step in immediately, which will give him the chance to develop at his own pace. However, if the team can tap into his potential, his addition could pay off in a major way down the line.

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Warriors’ Patrick Baldwin Jr. impressing early in workouts

Baldwin didn’t play in summer league but is apparently impressing during his early workouts.

Patrick Baldwin Jr. didn’t have the opportunity to play with the Golden State Warriors in summer league, but the 28th pick is apparently impressing the team during his early workouts.

Baldwin was ruled out of participating in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League due to an ankle injury suffered in high school. The injury limited him to 11 games last year at Milwaukee and the Warriors opted to play it safe this summer.

Despite not playing in summer league, Baldwin has dazzled in workouts and has also demonstrated a high level of confidence on the court, according to C.J. Holmes of the San Francisco Chronicle.

In Baldwin’s limited time with the team, he has impressed with his basketball intellect and performances in individual workouts as he continues to recover from an ankle injury that cut his freshman season at Wisconsin-Milwaukee short. “I’ve been shocked by what I’ve seen in an exciting way,” one Warriors staffer said.

Baldwin averaged 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season with the Panthers through his injury. He produced his best game of the season in his debut, recording a double-double on Nov. 9 with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

The Warriors view the selection of Baldwin from an upside standpoint and are banking he can develop into the prospect many thought he could be in high school. His exact role next season is to be determined, but it is reasonable to believe the team will bring him along slowly.

As the defending champs, the Warriors may not need Baldwin to step in immediately, which will give him the chance to develop at his own pace. However, if the team can tap into his potential, his addition could pay off in a major way down the line.

Golden State opens the preseason on Sept. 30 in Japan.

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Injuries, other factors limiting rookie class in summer league

Several rookies have shown tremendous promise in a limited sample, but others haven’t been quite as fortunate.

The incoming rookie class has shown tremendous promise in a limited sample size during the Las Vegas Summer League with several notable players turning in strong performances.

No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero was electric in his first two games before the Orlando Magic opted to shut him down for the remainder of their stint in Las Vegas, averaging 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. The team ultimately wanted to get a better look at other players on the roster and will rest him, as a result.

Just behind Banchero on the draft board, the likes of Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray and several others have also had strong showings during their time on the court.

Others haven’t been quite as fortunate as their peers.

At least nine first-year players have been limited or ruled out of games entirely due to injuries or other related issues. The list includes several first-rounders: Jaden Ivey (ankle), Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder), Dyson Daniels (ankle) and Jeremy Sochan (Covid-19) among others.

Some had various ailments prior to summer league, such as Walker Kessler (toe), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (ankle) and Ryan Rollins (foot) that have prevented them from playing. However, in the case of four players, their injuries occurred in Las Vegas.

Pelicans second-round pick EJ Liddell on Monday suffered a torn ACL in his right knee versus the Hawks. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

Teams are handling injuries differently now than in the past.

The strategies involved oftentimes do not sit well with observers of the sport. Fans want to see their favorite players on the court but with teams investing vast resources into these players, and millions of dollars in contracts, priorities have shifted in order to be cautious.

The Magic’s decision to rest Banchero after just two games was met with scrutiny by some. However, the team, in consultation with Banchero, agreed it would be best to limit him in summer league and made the appropriate move.

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Though summer league games pale in comparison to the regular season, teams’ strategies to be cautious with their draft picks offer a glimpse into the general thinking of front offices. They want to protect players and are reacting accordingly.

Simply put, teams will continue to do what’s best for their players to maximize their long-term health and availability and that philosophy will likely continue for years to come.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Warriors sign first-round pick Patrick Baldwin Jr. to rookie contract

The 28th pick in the NBA draft sign his rookie contract with the Warriors on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors announced that they signed former Milwaukee forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. to his rookie-scale contract.

Baldwin, the 28th pick in the NBA draft, averaged 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season. He produced his best game of the season in his debut after recording a double-double on Nov. 9 with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

He was limited to just 11 games after dealing with an ankle injury that was first suffered in high school. It played a major role in what became an inconsistent season for Baldwin and was one reason why he was available at No. 28 for the Warriors.

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The 19-year-old did not play with the Warriors in the California Classic and his status in Las Vegas is not clear as a precautionary measure of the injury. Warriors president Bob Myers said Baldwin would need to be cleared by team doctors before playing this summer.

The Warriors view the selection of Baldwin from an upside standpoint and are banking that he can develop into the prospect many thought he could be in high school. They value his size at 6-foot-9 and believe he can be a versatile player on the court.

Golden State begins the Las Vegas Summer League on Friday.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Watch all the highlights from Warriors’ first round pick Patrick Baldwin Jr.

With the No. 28 overall selection from the 2022 NBA Draft, the Warriors selected Patrick Baldwin Jr. Watch all his highlights here.

After landing players like James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody in recent drafts, the Golden State Warriors added another trio of prospects in the 2022 edition of the draft.

Starting in the first round, the Warriors landed Patrick Baldwin Jr. with the No. 28 overall selection. While he was only limited to only 11 games due to injuries, the 19-year-old averaged 12.1 points on 34.4% shooting from the floor with 5.8 boards and 1.5 assists in 28.5 minutes per contest. 

In his short stint at UW Milwaukee, Baldwin notched 20 or more points twice, scoring a career-high 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field with a six pack of 3-pointers from beyond the arc against Robert Morris. 

Before Baldwin Jr. suits up in blue and gold for the first time, here’s a look back at his pro day workout and some of his best highlights from his time at UW Milwaukee.

Via YouTube:

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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