The NBA moves quickly, especially when it comes to new players on rebuilding teams. That's going to be true for the Sacramento Kings, so everyone needs to make big impressions fast. Based on what happened against the Lakers, Patrick Baldwin Jr. is on the right path to making that happen.
As anyone who follows the Kings now, Sacramento made one lonely move before the trade deadline. It sent Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Cavaliers, while Dario Saric followed a path that eventually led him to the Pistons before he was waived on February 9th and left un-rostered.
That same trade led to the arrival of De'Andre Hunter in Sacramento. In true Kings' fashion, Hunter sustained an eye injury two games into his tenure and required surgery. He's now out for the rest of the season alongside Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, cementing this losing campaign.
Since the deadline, Sacramento has signed Dylan Cardwell to a full contract, as well as finally putting Devin Cater, Daeqwon Plowden, and Isaiah Stevens to work. On top of that, they signed Killian Hayes and Patrick Baldwin Jr., giving each of them opportunities to prove themselves.
Patrick Baldwin Jr. might find his spot on the Kings yet
Since signing with the Kings, Baldwin hasn't gotten a lot of minutes, and the few he has gotten haven't been productive. That's to be expected, though. He's new to a team that's in a rough spot. Getting into any sort of rhythm is going to be tough. But his last outing definitely showed positive signs.
The Kings' most recent blowout was at the hands of the Lakers with a score of 128 to 104. Still, Baldwin had a decent showing. He played 11 minutes while picking up three points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks. His defensive play was incredibly encouraging.
Baldwin has been around the league since 2022, fighting for a place to fit, and has the potential of being a solid 3&D guy off the bench. He only took two shots against the Lakers, but he went one for one from three. Plus, he walked away with one steal and three blocks.
Alongside players like Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Precious Achiuwa, Baldwin could finally find his groove as a defensive force in the NBA. If he can get a reliable three-point shot humming on top of that, the Kings may have a reliable bencher they desperately need.