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

By Nate Mann

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Wade Baldwin IV #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 16, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Wade Baldwin IV #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 16, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEAGS, NV – JULY 17: Wade Baldwin IV #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 17, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEAGS, NV – JULY 17: Wade Baldwin IV #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 17, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Playmaking

In his two G-League campaigns, Baldwin was a high-volume player and therefore turned the ball over a lot. Between the two seasons with Iowa and Texas, he averaged 3.1 turnovers per game to go along with an ordinary 5.2 assists.

But in the 2018 Summer League tournament, Baldwin improved his assist average to 7.4 per game and decreased his turnover rate to 2.7 per. To put icing on the cake, this sharp development came in five fewer minutes of play time.

Although Baldwin might play off the ball more, translating this Summer League playmaking to the NBA should be a priority.

Historically, Baldwin relies on penetration more than outside shooting to generate scoring opportunities. If he gets into the lane and defenders see his head looking straight down, they can commit and force a turnover or block the shot. But if he gets by the initial defender and approaches the help defense with his head on a swivel, they won’t be able to commit and therefore concede an easy basket or assist.

Next. 5 goals for Anfernee Simons in his rookie season. dark

Besides a healthy Seth Curry, Wade Baldwin IV has the best chance of earning significant rotation minutes out of the crowded backcourt group.

With reliable outside shooting, better penetration success, the hounding defense we saw glimpses of last year, and an ability to make plays off the dribble, the third year guard can capitalize on his contract season and become a key piece in the Blazers bench unit.