It’s weird for first round draft picks to get cut in the NBA. REALLY weird for a first rounder to get cut after only one season, like the Grizzlies did to Wade Baldwin IV last October. That level of ignominy is generally reserved for only the most hopeless of hopelessly failed prospects.
Yet Trail Blazers fans are in a near frenzy over Baldwin, who caught on with team at the end of last season and went on to earn All-Summer League second team honors earlier this month. After a second offseason of near inactivity from general manager Neil Olshey, Baldwin’s perceived ability to immediately step into the rotation has bolstered hopes that the Blazers can improve on last season’s 49 wins via internal development.