With the Phoenix Suns in full rebuild mode, it would only make sense for the team to give former first round pick Wade Baldwin a chance at redemption.
Before the regular season begins, teams usually trim their roster by either trading or waiving players. Most of the time it’s not surprising of which players get waived. However, one surprise is when the Memphis Grizzlies waived 2016 first round pick Wade Baldwin. The Phoenix Suns should not allow shock to overtake them and should pounce on the opportunity to pick up a former first round pick.
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The Suns still need to find a point guard of the future with Eric Bledsoe being too old for this young core and too many questions surrounding Tyler Ulis‘ effectiveness defensively as a starter. Baldwin could be the answer the Suns are looking. A first glace at Baldwin’s NBA stats shows he’s not close to being the answer the Suns’ need. This is because he averaged 12.3 minutes, 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 31.3 percent from the floor and 13.6 percent from the 3-point line. A small sample size like that should not be the deciding factor if the Suns should invest in the point guard. Baldwin’s G-League stats are much more revealing of what type of player Baldwin could become.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/17/2017.
Baldwin would need to work on his turnover problem, but it appears that he can become a decent scorer and good ball distributor. However, he is still young enough for the Suns to take a chance on him and there is still a chance he could break out. If he becomes a free agent, Phoenix could offer him something like a two year deal with the second year not being guaranteed. This type of contract would protect the Suns from any long term financial burden if Baldwin does not turn out to be a player that they want to keep.
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During a rebuilding season where the focus is on player improvement and not wins, signing Baldwin to a deal would present little risk to the Phoenix Suns.