2016 NBA Draft: Breaking Down Pro Future of Vanderbilt’s Wade Baldwin IV

Wade Baldwin IV converted freshman flashes into sophomore production and NBA draft buzz.

A former high school teammate of Karl-Anthony Towns, Baldwin wasn’t heavily recruited but still managed to build an NBA case for himself in two years, eventually starring at Vanderbilt.

Despite the Commodores’ disappointing record and finish, their floor general established himself as one of the country’s most intriguing breakout prospects. He improved in a number of areas and now finds himself looking to crack June’s NBA lottery.

Relevant Stats

Baldwin raised his per-40-minute scoring average to 18.6 from 12.9, and he shot at least 40 percent from downtown for the second straight year.

His assist rate (6.9 per 40 minutes) was similar to last season’s (6.1), and he didn’t show much progress inside the arc, where he shot 43.7 percent. However, he converted 43.4 percent of his two-pointers a season ago.

The only other notable stat was Baldwin’s turnover percentage, which was over 18 percent for the second year in a row.

Strengths

Baldwin’s sales pitch to NBA teams starts with his physical profile. At 6’4″, 201.8 pounds, he possesses ideal size and strength for a ball-handler. He has an enormous 6’11 ¼” wingspan, the length of many power forwards.

He’s also an above-average athlete for the position. Baldwin takes long strides and has enough bounce to throw down dunks off drives and fast-break opportunities.

He finished with the second-fastest lane-agility time at the NBA Draft Combine, an accomplishment that highlights lateral quickness and defensive potential. Between his foot speed, long arms and bulk, Baldwin isn’t an easy man to pass or dribble around. He will be capable of guarding both backcourt positions.

In the half court, scouts have to be …

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