Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Notebook: Patrick Baldwin Jr. Scouting Report

Patrick Baldwin Jr. Scouting Report

Height/Weight: 6’9″ 220 LBS

Three Point/Field Goal/Free Throw: 27%/34%/74%

UW-Milwaukee 2021-2022 Stats: 12.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.5 APG

Before we start getting too deep into Baldwin Jr.’s scouting report, I’m very aware that his shooting splits are horrible. Jaden Hardy didn’t have a very efficient year in the G-League, but he still shot lights out compared to Baldwin Jr. Having said that, there’s a lot of upside in that 6’9″ frame.

On the defensive end of the floor, he can lock down opposing players when he’s tuned in. He is also able to close out on nearly all shooters with his 7’1″ wingspan. Like most of the other prospects I’ve scouted this year, he will have to buy into head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s defensive philosophy. Having he and Evan Mobley on the floor at one time would give opposing coaches headaches.

On the offensive end is where Baldwin Jr.’s game was supposed to take off. However, injuries derailed his rhythm this year and he was never able to get up to speed to the college game. But, even though he only shot 27% from three last year, he has a short compact shot that will translate to the NBA. With that being said, he can also use his long frame to post up smaller defenders.

Baldwin Jr. has all the skill in the world to be an NBA player, he just needs to shrug off recent injuries and bad numbers at the combine; the measurements were from a report from Derek Murray of Basketballnews.com and Babcock Hoops.

Most were pretty surprised with his numbers, and that could play a larger role in where he gets drafted. As I said earlier, taking Baldwin Jr. with the 14th pick might be a bit of a reach.

Even still, as a wing player, his frame is hard to come by, so the Cavs could look to bring him in another way.