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Memphis Grizzlies 2016-17 Player Review: Wade Baldwin

By JD McMillian

Apr 9, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) reacts during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at FedExForum. Detroit Pistons defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 103-90. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) reacts during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at FedExForum. Detroit Pistons defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 103-90. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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As we review each player from the Memphis Grizzlies, let’s take a deep look at the raw, but talented Wade Baldwin. Can he be the point guard of the future?

Wade Baldwin has a ton of upside, but his rookie year wasn’t what he or the Memphis Grizzlies had in mind. He spent the majority of the season on the bench or in the D-Leauge, given little chances to prove he was NBA-ready. When the opportunity presented itself, he didn’t deliver.

As we take a look at his rough rookie year, does this season derail any sort of hope in his future?

Offense

Wade Baldwin struggled the season to get anything going offensively, showing flashes of what he could do. His struggles credit to why he saw seeing playing time in only 33 of the 82 games this past season. In limited playing time, he averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds in his rookie year.

When he played, a big area of concern was his turnovers (1.2). Baldwin also struggled with his jump-shot, shooting 31.3 percent from the field and an ugly 13.6 percent from behind the 3-point line. If he can improve his shooting and become more responsible with the ball, Baldwin can be an essential piece for this aging Grizzlies’ squad.

Offensive Grade: D+

Defense

Baldwin wasn’t able to show what he could do on defense, but with more playing time, he could be a menace on the defensive side of the ball. With a 6’11” wingspan, Wade is able to pressure smaller guards with his size and could get easy steals. If Wade buys completely into the defensive mentality of this team, he could be a problem for other teams when he comes in with the second unit.

Defensive Grade: C+

Related Story: Wade Baldwin is worth the gamble

Overall Grade: C-

This season could be seen as a complete disappointment for Wade Baldwin, but it could also be seen as a building block for future success. Baldwin has tremendous upside … I mean he is built similar to Russell Westbrook, how is that not exciting? A full offseason to learn from guys like Mike Conley and Nick Van Exel could lead to a breakout year next season for Baldwin. Because of his raw talent and Conley’s age, he’s an essential piece to the future of this franchise.

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