With a mandate to reshape the culture and roster in Memphis, first year coach David Fizdale is going young. The Grizzlies have big plans for rookie Wade Baldwin, who will be asked to contribute immediately, writes Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal:
Grizzlies guard Wade Baldwin acknowledges, like most NBA rookies, that the biggest transition from college is adjusting to the speed of the game. That has been the crux of any training camp struggles. But say this for Baldwin: He is beginning his professional life playing for a coach who intends to put his career on a fast track.
When asked if Baldwin is ready to contribute for the Griz this season, Coach David Fizdale responded affirmatively. “He shows incredible flashes of talent and ability. He’s ferocious,” Fizdale said, before later adding: “I’ve got to live with some of his mistakes. That’s just part of the deal. When you over-scrutinize rookie mistakes, they go into a shell. And I don’t want that. I’ll reel him when he needs to be reeled in but I want to go out there and play really free.”
Baldwin played off the bench Saturday night during the Grizzlies’ 134-125 preseason win over the Houston Rockets in a double overtime game at the Toyota Center. Fellow rookie guard Andrew Harrison started alongside Mike Conley in the back court. Fizdale is also quick to point out that Baldwin has looked very much like a first-time pro during the exhibition schedule. The 6-4 combo guard taken 17th overall in the first round of the June draft still has the potential to be the game-changer that Memphis envisions. Inside the organization, Baldwin has drawn comparisons to Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook because of his motor and fearlessness. “I like it because he’s my favorite player,” Baldwin said. “But I want to build my own identity. Playing him in the (Tulsa game Wednesday night), I was going too fast. I’ve got to slow down a little.”
