NBA Draft: Buddy Hield, Brice Johnson And The Most Improved

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Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) keeps the ball away from Western Michigan Broncos guard Taylor Perry (32) during the first half at Memorial Gym. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

Wade Baldwin IV, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 194 pounds, 6’10”
Slash Line: .500/.476/.841
Season Averages: 28.6 MPG, 14.8 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.5 3PM
Key Improvement: Finishing Against Length

Wade Baldwin IV is a 6’3″ point guard with a 6’10” wingspan and the uncanny ability to pull up from anywhere on the floor and sink a jump shot. He displays strong court vision, can play lockdown defense when he’s focused, and makes a highly efficient percentage of his free throws.

By most means and measures, Baldwin has the tools to be an impact player at the next level.

The key to Baldwin’s development into a potential lottery pick is his improved play from within the 3-point line. He still struggles against length in the paint, to some extent, but he’s dramatically improved in his ability to overcome bigger defenders.

If Baldwin continues to progress, he should have a very bright NBA future.

After shooting just 43.8 percent on 2-point field goals in 2014-15, he’s up to 51.3 percent in 2015-16. He’s also averaging 4.8 free throw attempts per contest after tallying just 3.0 per game in 2014-15, which is a sign of his newfound aggressiveness in attacking interior defenders—a vital change from his tentative nature a season ago.

In turn, Baldwin is averaging 5.5 more points per game in 0.2 less minutes—good for an increase of 7.9 points per 40 minutes.

Next: Whiteside 2.0?