Fansided

2016 NBA Draft: where are they now?

By Brandon Jefferson

TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 23: Wade Baldwin IV shakes hands with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 17th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 23: Wade Baldwin IV shakes hands with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 17th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

17. Wade Baldwin, Memphis Grizzlies

The most notable fact about Wade Baldwin when he was selected 17th-overall by the Memphis Grizzlies was that he was the former high school teammate of Karl-Anthony Towns. In two years at Vanderbilt, Baldwin did enough on his own to merit a selection in the 2016 NBA Draft. Baldwin was a 42.2 percent three-point shooter in his college career and was a high-caliber defender at his position.

In Memphis, the Grizzlies were looking to find someone who could serve as a quality backup to Mike Conley Jr. Baldwin’s outside shooting and defensive abilities made it seem as if the two could not only operate as starter and substitute but that they could share the floor at the same time. The Grizzlies had just let Dave Joerger walk to Sacramento after an attempted power grab and in his place, they hired former Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale.

In his rookie season, Baldwin ended up splitting his time between the Grizzlies and their G-League affiliate at the time, the Iowa Energy. When he did get his opportunities on the big stage he largely disappointed. One stat that stands out is that he shot 13.6 percent on three-pointers as a rookie. Without bringing much on the offensive end the prospect of keeping him on seemed like more of a burden. After one year, Memphis opted not to bring Baldwin back and he was waived after one season.

The Portland Trail Blazers decided to roll the dice on Baldwin and signed him to a two-way contract a few days after he was released by Memphis. His time with them didn’t go much different as he spent the bulk of his time in the G-League with the Texas Legends. Last season saw Baldwin involved in multiple NBA transactions. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February.

The Cavaliers then moved him a few days later to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets held onto him for a couple of hours and then dealt him to the Indiana Pacers. Finally, he was waived by the Pacers. All within the span of four days. Baldwin would end the year as a member of the Raptors 905 G-League team.

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