Blazers: 5 goals for Wade Baldwin to achieve in his contract season

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Wade Baldwin IV #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks to pass against the Boston Celtics during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trail Blazers defeated the Celtics 95-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Three-point shooting

Across Baldwin’s two seasons at Vanderbilt, he made 1.2 of his 2.9 three-point attempts (42.2%). When he declared for the draft and was selected by the Grizzlies, he appeared to be ready for a low-volume three-point shooter role in the NBA.

But that number dove once he reached the big leagues. In the 33 games with Memphis, he made 13.6% of his threes-point tries (only 22 attempts), and in the G-League he converted on 31.1% of threes.

His success worsened in the next G-League campaign with Texas – he made 23.9% of his threes.

But the rollercoaster started on its way back up at the end of the 2017-2018 season. He sunk 4 of 5 three-pointers in seven games with the Blazers, and made his only attempt during playoffs.

Then, in seven games at the 2018 Summer League tournament, Baldwin knocked down 8 of his 16 three-pointers. His release looked calm and smooth, forcing defenders to honor him on the perimeter and concede a lane to the basket.

Consistently knocking down outside shots will encourage Portland’s coaching staff to play him more. The Blazers want additional three-point shooters, plus it allows other aspects of Baldwin’s game to open up like it did at Summer League.