Warriors rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. exhibits promise in Japan preseason video games – Marin Impartial Journal

SAITAMA, Japan – The Warriors’ pair of preseason video games shared a glimpse at 2022 first-round choose Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s potential after he missed summer season league with an ankle harm.

Baldwin confirmed nice courtroom consciousness and stable decision-making in each video games.

After recording seven factors on 2-of-3 capturing in eight minutes in his debut Friday, Baldwin was much more spectacular Sunday.

One spotlight of his got here within the fourth quarter when he intercepted a Wizards’ cross and tossed the ball to Mac McClung who took it residence with a fast-break dunk. Baldwin completed with 12 factors, going 4-for-5 from deep, and he had six rebounds.

“He was terrific,” coach Steve Kerr mentioned after the NBA Japan Video games finale. “He’s a extremely good basketball participant. He understands the sport, you’ll be able to see together with his stream, his moments, his capturing, his passing… He simply will get it, he has a extremely good really feel.”

Kerr didn’t know what to anticipate from Baldwin heading into coaching camp.

Baldwin was restricted during the last two seasons as a consequence of an ankle harm. He was a high recruit out of highschool however opted to play on the College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for his dad relatively than be a part of a much bigger program. There, he performed in solely 11 earlier than being shut down and turned his give attention to the upcoming NBA draft as his harm endured.

Baldwin mentioned his ankle was about 95% healed when the Warriors picked him No. 28 general. He wasn’t cleared for summer season league however step by step elevated his workload this summer season to arrange himself for coaching camp. And now, he mentioned he’s “assured” in his ankle.

Within the weeks when Kerr was away from the crew’s observe facility, he heard rumblings about how good the 19-year-old could possibly be.

“On the finish of the summer season, all the coaches who have been working with him after I was out of city, they have been raving about him,” he mentioned. “They prepped me for it, mentioned this man has good really feel and be a extremely good match with us.”

Nevertheless it wasn’t till final week that Kerr might see for himself the promise Baldwin possesses.

His early evaluation on the rookie?

“I’m very impressed,” Kerr mentioned.

Kerr was additionally happy with the crew’s valiant fourth-quarter effort throughout which the Warriors’ bench outscored the Wizards 30-10. McClung, right here on a training-camp deal, scored all 9 of his factors, going 4-for-6 from the sector, within the ultimate 12 minutes. Baldwin added six to assist Golden State safe its second win of the preseason.

“To come back out right here and catch a win and outscore them 30-10 within the fourth quarter, I feel that’s a step in the precise path for us,” Baldwin mentioned earlier than getting on a bus to the airport. “And to be a part of that group is fairly cool and it simply offers us extra confidence shifting ahead.”