NBA Draft 2022: 3 biggest overall winners from draft night

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces a pick by the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in 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 Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) /

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NBA Draft Patrick Baldwin Jr. Milwaukee Panthers (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Patrick Baldwin Jr.

Looking back at the Class of 2021, many people believed that Patrick Baldwin Jr., a Top 5 player in the class, would commit to playing for Coach K at Duke, but the Wisconsin native decided to stay home and play at UW Milwaukee of the Horizon League under his father, Patrick Baldwin Sr., who is the head coach.

Baldwin Jr. was mocked in the Top 10 of just about every single mock draft before the season started in November. He had a hard time staying healthy all season, just playing 11 games for the Panthers and when he did play, he struggled to average just over 12 PPG while shooting 34% from the field and 27% from downtown.

Despite the combination of injury issues, poor shooting, and plummeting stock from the preseason, Baldwin Jr. decided to declare for the NBA Draft. He ended up being a first-round pick despite the question marks, being selected by the Warriors 28th overall.

Being drafted to the reigning champs is one of the best-case scenarios for Baldwin Jr., as he isn’t expected to have a major role right away and can develop while being around a winning culture with some of the all-time greats.

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