The top 3 prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft for the Cavs
By Corey Casey
Cleveland Cavaliers #2 2022 draft target: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Forward
Patrick Baldwin Jr. comes in with great size at 6-foot-9 and 190 pounds, and is from Sussex, Wisconsin and goes to Hamilton High. Baldwin Jr. is a fluid athlete that is also a long wing whose very skilled and who is capable of playing the 3 or the 4.
When you watch Baldwin Jr., he reminds you a lot of 2018 first rounder Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets. Porter Jr. would’ve gone much higher if not for a back injury that derailed his only season at Missouri. He did not play in the 2018-19 campaign either, due to back issues, and the Nuggets are bringing him along slowly, but you can see the potential this season thus far.
I see a lot of that in Baldwin Jr.
The size, the versatility, elite skills from the perimeter and a great shooting stroke that he can seemingly always get off over anybody. Along with that, Baldwin Jr. is a very effective and efficient post-up player.
There is a ton to like and look forward too with Baldwin Jr., given his skill level and varying abilities. The guy has a chance to be a star in the NBA, and he could provide an instant impact with his offensive tool box for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The only area of concern I’d have with Baldwin Jr. is him defensively. He’s a good athlete, but not a great one and it remains to be seen if he’s better off guarding the 3 or the 4.