Toronto Raptors 905: Why Wade Baldwin IV is a Big Deal for the 905
By Go Paolo
The Toronto Raptors 905 acquired a new player by signing 2016 first-round pick Wade Baldwin IV following his release from the Portland Trail Blazers. Who is Baldwin and why is this a big deal for the 905?
Wade Baldwin IV just did a mini-tour of the country for the last 18 days. After playing 23 games for the Blazers this season, Baldwin was traded (along with Nik Stauskas) around the NBA. First, he was shipped to Cleveland, then Houston, and then Indiana, where he was waived and signed by the Raptors 905 just yesterday.
Baldwin IV averaged just under two points playing six minutes and shot 30.3 percent on the field. The 17th overall pick from 2016 just couldn’t crack a Blazers squad deep with guards, but now he gets a solid chance to truly develop his game with the 905 who are looking to fill minutes left by Malcolm Miller.
The 905 are currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 24-16 record and are 6-4 in their last ten games. They lead the conference in point differential at +3.7, and Baldwin IV’s addition will not only help spell Miller’s loss but further push the team into making another championship run.
Baldwin IV could be a coup not just for the 905. The Raptors could also use his services in the future as he offers a lot even for deep teams brimming with talent.
On Offense
Baldwin IV could be something of a Russell Westbrook type of player. He won’t be leading the league in triple-doubles or winning an MVP, but he is athletic, well-built physically for his position, and can fill up the stat sheet primarily as a ballhandler.
In six games with the Texas Legends, he averaged 22.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals in nearly 33 minutes of action.
At 6’4″ and 200 lbs., Baldwin IV is a physical force. His 38-inch vertical, willingness to attack the rim, and creativity to finish make him one of the best scorers in the paint.
But if Baldwin IV has kryptonite, it’s his long-range jumper. In 56 G-League games, he’s only hit 45-of-166 three-pointers (27.1%). If he learns to develop a more steady three-point shot, he’ll be an even more potent offensive player.
Right now, Baldwin IV should earn big minutes at the point on offense. He can be the primary ballhandler, create for his teammates, and push the pace.
On Defense
This is where Baldwin IV can truly excel. Outside of being a solidly built guard, Baldwin IV also has a 6’11.25″ wingspan and an 8’4″ standing reach. His long limbs coupled with his athleticism has allowed him to be ballhawk on defense hence his 2.2 steals per game.
Baldwin IV will be a handful for both types of guards and could even give smaller forwards a run for their money too. The 905 were once defensive juggernauts and while they are still a force today, adding Baldwin IV will take them a few steps further into reclaiming their once-glorious status.
Most notably, Baldwin IV is a dog on defense. He can grow into becoming one of the league’s premier defenders. Thinking of Tony Allen might be getting too far ahead, but Baldwin IV flashed some of that potential last season when he helped his Blazers overcome the Rockets. Baldwin IV was instrumental in forcing James Harden and Chris Paul to commit turnovers.
Baldwin IV’s physical tools and dogged determination make him the type of player you’d be happy is on your team and not against them. This will become invaluable come playoff basketball.
Intangibles
The 905 not only get stability at the point with Baldwin IV’s addition, but they get a new leader. With the playoffs inching closer, a player of Baldwin IV’s mold will be a boon for the team. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and won’t shrug off on defense. This type of passion is infectious and is what should set the tone for the team moving forward.
On top of it all, Baldwin IV should be hungry to prove himself again. Being traded three times and cut all in the span of two-and-a-half weeks will only rekindle that fire. Welcome to the 905, Wade!