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A Royal Prospect: Wade Baldwin

By Rafe Wong

Mar 10, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) walks off the court after the game against Tennessee during the SEC basketball tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK
Mar 10, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) walks off the court after the game against Tennessee during the SEC basketball tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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A Royal Pain continues its series on analyzing players in this upcoming draft and seeing how they would fit if they were selected by the Sacramento Kings.

Today’s prospect will be Wade Baldwin out of Vanderbilt University.

The Numbers

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For Baldwin, he stands at 6’3” and weighs 195 pounds. In his two-year career spent with Vanderbilt, he averaged 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He also shot 43.1% from the floor, 42.2% from the perimeter, and 80% from the free-throw line.

In his most recent season playing for the Commodores, Baldwin averaged 14.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while shooting 42.7% from the court, 40.6% from the three-point line, and 79.9% from the charity stripe.

The Range

According to various mock drafts, Baldwin is projected to be picked around the #12-17 range for Thursday’s draft. If the Kings were interested in selecting Baldwin, he most likely will be available for Sacramento at #8.

Feb 13, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin (4) blocks the shot of Auburn Tigers guard Bryce Brown (2) during the first half at Auburn Arena. The Commodores beat the Tigers 86-57. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin (4) blocks the shot of Auburn Tigers guard Bryce Brown (2) during the first half at Auburn Arena. The Commodores beat the Tigers 86-57. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

The Fit

Baldwin’s skill set has him capable of playing both guard positions, so if he were to be on the Kings next season he could possibly be contending for both the starting two-guard and point guard spots.

Offensively, Baldwin is versatile. He showed in college that he can score in a variety of ways and also make plays for others to score.

The Kings need someone that brings versatility to their backcourt, especially if Rajon Rondo decides to leave the team in free agency.

Baldwin is also long and has good size for his position, which gives him the capability to be a solid defender at the pro level. The Kings perimeter defense last season was horrid, so adding Baldwin to the mix will probably help improve Sacramento’s defense going forward.

Express Yourself

So Kings fans, should the Kings front office consider drafting Baldwin this Thursday? To express your thoughts on the issue, feel free to partake in our survey that is up on our Twitter account.

Rafe’s Thoughts

Baldwin brings a level of versatility and length that is unique for his position. If the Kings do indeed draft Baldwin, even at #8, it wouldn’t be a bad pick for Sacramento.

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The biggest concern with Baldwin was his inconsistency in college. He was able to display with Vanderbilt that he can be a complete two-way player at the professional level, but it came in doses throughout his tenure.

Inconsistency is what most NBA prospects face once they get to the NBA, but if they are guided by good coaching and the determination to get better they could play at a more frequent level as their career progresses. I believe Baldwin can achieve that.

Bottom line, the Kings may be in great need of a guard, and Baldwin has a chance to be an effective asset for the Kings on both ends of the floor.

Rafe’s Comparison: Michael Carter-Williams

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