How a five-star recruit navigated the volatile path of professional basketball
In short: In 2021, Patrick Baldwin Jr. was a consensus five-star recruit and a top prospect. Yet, his journey from a high-profile college commitment to the EuroLeague has been defined by injuries, trades, and the relentless movement of professional sports rosters.
Patrick Baldwin Jr. entered the basketball spotlight as one of the premier talents of the 2021 class. A consensus five-star recruit, he achieved the distinction of being the youngest person ever to receive an offer from Duke University. Despite offers from powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina, Baldwin chose to play college basketball for the Milwaukee Panthers under the coaching of his father, Pat Baldwin.
His collegiate career was marked by significant physical setbacks. During his freshman season, he suffered a leg injury on November 23, 2021, and an ankle injury on January 5, 2022. Such physical setbacks led to a campaign in which he recorded 5.8 rebounds and 12.1 points per game. Despite these hurdles, his potential was evident when he declared for the 2022 NBA draft, where he was selected 28th overall by the Golden State Warriors.
Baldwin's professional career has been characterized by frequent movement across various leagues. After being traded from the Warriors to the Washington Wizards in July 2023, he experienced a series of short-term stints and contract changes. This included two-way contracts with the Los Angeles Clippers and 10-day contracts with the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings. In July 2026, Baldwin transitioned to international play, signing with Crvena zvezda in the Basketball League of Serbia, the ABA League, and the EuroLeague.
Beyond his professional club career, Baldwin has represented the United States on the international stage. During the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup held in Latvia, he helped secure gold, averaging five rebounds and 7.7 points per game.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Patrick Baldwin Jr.
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