Pat McCaw continues to show veteran poise
The Golden State Warriors’ rookie wing Patrick McCaw is playing his best basketball of the season right now during the playoffs.
The Golden State Warriors had three players make an All-NBA team this season. Klay Thompson, who did not make one, was an All-Star. Andre Iguodala was the Finals MVP two years ago.
Basically, the Warriors have a lot of talent. This team has had a winning system in place for two years. In 2014-15, they won a title. In 2015-16, they won a record 73 games.
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That high level of play can be intimidating for someone new coming in. While guys like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green thrive off making those around them better, it can still be challenging to play with such elite talent. The challenges grow when you’re a 21 year old rookie.
Patrick McCaw was selected 38th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Warriors, who have done an excellent job evaluating talent recently, liked what they saw and they made a deal to get him. They brought over the 6’7 perimeter player out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
McCaw played in 71 games during his rookie campaign. He started 20 of them, filling in for Kevin Durant when he went down with injury. In 15.1 minutes per game, the rookie averaged four points on 43 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from three.
His role was inconsistent. Some days he’d get heavy minutes especially with the starters. Then, the next game, he wouldn’t get off the bench at all.
That’s one of the problems that the Steve Kerr-led coaching staff has had. His “strength in numbers” philosophy relies heavily on players constantly being ready. There are times when there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to his rotations.
McCaw showed flashes throughout his rookie season. He had moments where he looked like he had an advanced feel for the game on both ends of the floor Then there were times where he looked scared to shoot the ball and opponents used their size to overpower him.
The wing has played in ten of the Warriors’ 12 postseason games. He’s increased his scoring scoring, assisting, rebounding, and efficiency in the playoffs. He’s doing all that in slightly less minutes (14.7).
McCaw has started three games this postseason. He filled in twice against the Portland Trailblazers in the opening round when Durant was sidelined. Mike Brown also chose to start the rookie in Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals in Zaza Pachulia’s place.
He played the final three games of the Western Conference Finals and was fantastic. He shot over 64 percent from the field and better than 55 percent from three. McCaw was aggressive, something he struggles to do at times.
In Game 2, he had 18 points, five assists, three rebounds, and 3 steals. He had one game with five assists and one game with six assists in the regular season. He also only had one game with three steals. McCaw only knocked down three three-pointers once throughout the year.
He did all of those things in the Western Conference Finals. McCaw didn’t let the moment get the best of him. In fact, he rose to the occasion, playing some of the best basketball he’s played all season long.
Of course, it wasn’t perfect. There were times where he should have pulled the trigger on a shot and he didn’t. Or when he reached and didn’t move his feet to stay in front of his man. All things considered, you’ll live with that right now.
McCaw has earned himself some minutes in the NBA Finals. At this juncture, he might be more useful to Golden State than Shaun Livingston because he can actually space the floor. The Warriors will need all hands on deck to slow down Kyrie Irving and McCaw’s quick hands and length could come into play.
Pat McCaw is 21 years old and his rookie season peaked in the Western Conference Finals. He is a veteran in a rookie’s body. He played with extreme poise and confidence. This has to please Golden State.