Patrick O’Neal Baldwin Jr. Bio
Patrick O’Neal Baldwin Jr. is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA) on a two-way contract with the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League. A 6-foot-9 forward known for his shooting range and versatility, Baldwin Jr. was selected 28th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors after a standout college career at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He has competed for several NBA franchises and their G League affiliates throughout his professional career while establishing himself as a promising young talent in professional basketball.
Early Life and Background
Patrick O’Neal Baldwin Jr. was born on November 18, 2002, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, though he spent much of his childhood in Evanston, Illinois. He grew up immersed in basketball, regularly playing on teams including the Fellowship of Afro-American Men (FAAM) league. His father, Pat Baldwin, was a standout college basketball player at Northwestern University before transitioning into coaching, eventually becoming the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
In 2017, the summer before his freshman year of high school, the Baldwin family relocated to Wisconsin when Pat Baldwin accepted the head coaching position at UW-Milwaukee. This move proved formative for Patrick Jr., as he would attend Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin, while his father led the Panthers program. His mother, Shawn Baldwin, was also a collegiate athlete, playing volleyball at Northwestern University. The basketball environment at home provided constant mentorship and exposure to the sport at a high level.
Path to Basketball
Baldwin Jr. began his high school career at Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin, immediately demonstrating the talent that would make him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. As a freshman during the 2017–18 season, he was a key contributor on a Hamilton team that reached the state tournament championship game, falling 57–56 to a team led by future NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and Oshkoss North. This early playoff appearance against top competition provided invaluable experience.
By his junior year, Baldwin Jr. had emerged as one of Wisconsin’s top high school players, averaging 24.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. His dominant performance earned him Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year honors, solidifying his status as a five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2021 class nationally. He received scholarship offers from prestigious programs including Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, and Michigan, among others. Notably, he became the youngest person ever to receive an offer from Duke, getting the offer during his sophomore year of high school.
During his senior season, Baldwin Jr. suffered a season-ending ankle injury in just the second game, cutting short what was expected to be a crowning campaign. Despite the injury, he remained a highly decorated recruit and earned roster spots for the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit. On May 12, 2021, he committed to playing collegiately for Milwaukee under his father’s coaching, choosing the Panthers over offers from Duke, Arizona State, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, USC, and Georgetown. He became the highest-rated recruit ever to commit to a Horizon League program.
Patrick O’Neal Baldwin Jr. Career
College Career (2021–2022)
Baldwin Jr. arrived at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with sky-high expectations as a consensus five-star recruit and the centerpiece of his father’s recruiting class. He made an impressive college debut, recording 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 75–60 victory against North Dakota, immediately showcasing the scoring and rebounding ability that had drawn national attention. His opening performance suggested he would be a dominant force in the Horizon League.
However, his freshman season was plagued by injuries. On November 23, 2021, he suffered a leg injury in a loss to Bowling Green that forced him to miss several games. He returned to action but then sustained an ankle injury on January 5, 2022, in a win against Green Bay. After briefly returning in early February, Baldwin Jr. sat out the remainder of the season for undisclosed reasons. Despite the injuries, he managed to average 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game over the portions of the season he played. On April 22, 2022, he declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
Golden State Warriors and Santa Cruz Warriors (2022–2023)
The Golden State Warriors selected Baldwin Jr. with the 28th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, acquiring him through the draft. On July 6, 2022, the Warriors officially signed him to his rookie contract. He was assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s G League affiliate, on October 24, 2022, where he would develop while seeing limited NBA action.
Baldwin Jr. made his NBA debut on October 30, 2022, appearing in the final minute of a loss to the Detroit Pistons. His most notable performance of the season came on December 21, 2022, when he scored a career-high 17 points in a blowout loss to the Brooklyn Nets, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range in 23 minutes of play. He followed that with an 11-point showing against the Utah Jazz, demonstrating consistent shooting touch. He was assigned to the G League again on February 5, 2023, continuing his development in the minor league system while refining his skills as a stretch forward.
Washington Wizards and Capital City Go-Go (2023–2025)
On July 6, 2023, the Warriors traded Baldwin Jr. along with Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, and draft picks to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran guard Chris Paul. This move represented a change of scenery and an opportunity for more consistent playing time with a rebuilding Wizards franchise. Throughout his time in Washington, Baldwin Jr. was frequently assigned to the Capital City Go-Go, Washington’s G League affiliate, where he could log significant minutes and continue his development.
On February 6, 2025, Baldwin Jr.’s tenure with the Wizards ended when he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs as part of a multi-team transaction. However, he was waived the following day, marking an uncertain period in his early career. Despite the setback, he continued working toward securing a spot in the NBA.
Los Angeles Clippers and San Diego Clippers (2025)
On February 19, 2025, Baldwin signed with the San Diego Clippers of the NBA G League, joining the Clippers organization. His strong play in the G League earned him a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on March 1, 2025. Under this contract structure, he split time between the NBA roster and the G League affiliate. He made two appearances for Los Angeles during this stint, averaging 3.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game.
The Clippers waived Baldwin Jr. on July 29, 2025, following the conclusion of the season. However, the organization brought him back on a training camp contract on October 2, 2025. He was waived once more prior to the start of the regular season on October 18, 2025, forcing him to seek opportunities elsewhere. He returned to the San Diego Clippers before signing another NBA contract.
Sacramento Kings (2026–present)
On January 16, 2026, Baldwin signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, returning to the organization for a brief stint. He appeared in two games during this contract, averaging 5.0 points and 0.5 rebounds per game while showing glimpses of the scoring ability that made him a first-round pick. Following the expiration of his 10-day contract, he returned to the San Diego Clippers to continue his professional career.
On February 5, 2026, Baldwin signed another 10-day contract, this time with the Philadelphia 76ers. He made one appearance for Philadelphia, recording one rebound but no points. After his contract expired, he returned once again to the San Diego Clippers. His persistence and continued development paid off when, on February 22, 2026, he signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings. This contract provides him with the opportunity to split time between the NBA roster and the Stockton Kings G League affiliate while continuing to prove himself at the professional level.
National Team Career
Prior to his professional career, Baldwin Jr. represented the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup held in Latvia. He was a key contributor to the American team that captured the gold medal, averaging 7.7 points and 5 rebounds per game throughout the tournament. He shot an impressive 47 percent from the floor, demonstrating the efficient scoring ability that would define his game. This international experience on a winning team provided valuable competition against top young players from around the world.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 9 inches with a 220-pound frame, Baldwin Jr. projects as a versatile small forward capable of playing multiple positions. His primary strengths include his shooting range, particularly from three-point distance, and his ability to score from various spots on the floor. Standing at an impressive height for his position, he combines size with perimeter skills that have become increasingly valuable in the modern NBA. His mid-range game and post-up ability add dimensions to his offensive repertoire, while his rebounding instincts help him contribute on the glass despite his perimeter-oriented skill set.
Career Highlights and Milestones
Throughout his career, Baldwin Jr. has accumulated several notable achievements at both the high school and international levels. As a high school senior, he earned Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year honors and was selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game, one of the most prestigious all-star events for high school basketball players nationwide. His participation in the Nike Hoop Summit further highlighted his status among the elite recruits of the 2021 class. His gold medal performance at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup represented his most significant international achievement to date.
On the professional level, his career-high 17-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets during his rookie season with the Warriors demonstrated his potential as a scorer at the NBA level. Being selected 28th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, just two picks into the second round, validated his status as a first-round talent despite injury concerns during his college career.
Patrick O’Neal Baldwin Jr. Career Wins
Baldwin Jr.’s professional career has been characterized by steady development through both NBA and G League competition. While he has not yet accumulated significant NBA scoring totals or championship victories, his journey through multiple organizations and consistent G League production represent incremental progress in his development as a professional player.
Professional Career Highlights
Throughout his time in the NBA and G League, Baldwin Jr. has demonstrated the ability to score efficiently when given opportunities. His 17-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets on December 21, 2022, remains his highest-scoring NBA game. His shooting percentages during that game, converting 6-of-10 field goals and 5-of-8 three-point attempts, showcased the offensive efficiency that made him a five-star recruit. He has continued to produce solid numbers in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, Capital City Go-Go, and San Diego Clippers, averaging double figures in scoring during his minor league assignments while working to earn consistent NBA minutes.
College and High School Achievements
Prior to turning professional, Baldwin Jr. enjoyed a decorated high school career at Hamilton High School, where he earned Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year honors during his junior season after averaging 24.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. He led Hamilton to the state tournament championship game as a freshman, facing off against future NBA player Tyrese Haliburton. In his lone college season at Milwaukee, he posted a double-double in his debut against North Dakota before injuries curtailed his campaign. His gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup represents one of his most significant accomplishments at any level.
Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Patrick O’Neal Baldwin Jr. comes from a family with deep roots in basketball. His father, Pat Baldwin, played college basketball at Northwestern University before embarking on a coaching career that included serving as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he led the Panthers program. Pat Baldwin’s coaching career continued with an assistant coaching position at Valparaiso University. His basketball knowledge and experience provided Patrick Jr. with expert guidance throughout his development as a player.
Personal Life
Baldwin Jr.’s mother, Shawn Baldwin, was also a collegiate athlete, playing volleyball at Northwestern University. This athletic family background contributed to Patrick Jr.’s physical development and competitive mindset. Growing up with parents who both excelled in college athletics provided a supportive environment that fostered his growth as a basketball player. The family’s move to Wisconsin in 2017, prompted by his father’s coaching opportunity, shaped the final years of his high school career and ultimately influenced his college decision to play for his father at Milwaukee.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Baldwin Jr. as he navigated through multiple organizations following his departure from the Washington Wizards. After being traded to and waived by the San Antonio Spurs in February 2025, he found a stable situation with the Los Angeles Clippers organization. Signing with the San Diego Clippers in February 2025 and subsequently earning a two-way contract with the NBA club in March demonstrated his ability to earn opportunities through consistent G League performance.
Throughout the season, Baldwin Jr. split time between the NBA roster and the San Diego Clippers, appearing in limited NBA action while dominating in the G League. His two-way contract structure allowed him to develop his game in the minor league system while remaining available for NBA call-ups. The season showed his resilience in continuing to pursue his NBA dreams despite initial setbacks and roster changes.
Looking ahead, Baldwin Jr. signed with the Sacramento Kings in February 2026, marking a new chapter in his career with a two-way contract. His continued persistence in pursuing NBA opportunities, combined with his ability to produce in the G League, suggests he remains on the path toward establishing himself as a reliable NBA player. With his size, shooting ability, and versatility, he possesses the tools to contribute to an NBA team when given consistent opportunities.