Memphis Grizzlies

Wade Baldwin IV assigned to Iowa Energy: Pros and Cons

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Memphis Grizzlies assigned their first-round pick, Wade Baldwin to the D-League. This move should pay off, but the Grizz shouldn’t leave him there.

It’s been a rollercoaster season for Wade Baldwin, thus far. In his preseason debut, he dropped 15 points on 5-for-5 shooting, looking like a more than capable backup point guard. He made the most of his official NBA debut. Wade Baldwin scored 7 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out 6 dimes and had 3 steals and blocks, becoming the 1st player since 1983-84 to have a 5×3 in his NBA debut.

After that, he hasn’t been able to string together more solid performances. Wade Baldwin’s aggressiveness has led to poor defense and bone-head turnovers. Now that Andrew Harrison is leading the backup point guard race, Wade Baldwin will spend some time with the Iowa Energy in the D-League.

Grizzlies have assigned Wade Baldwin IV to @iowaenergy.

MORE: https://t.co/FGi6CQ4CIo

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 20, 2016

Many Grizz fans will look at this move in annoyance, seeing yet another first-round pick sent to the D-League. However, it may be the right move for Wade Baldwin’s development.

Pros

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Cons

Final Remarks

Sending Wade Baldwin to the D-League is the right move. It will be interesting to see whether he relishes the opportunity or loses confidence.

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