Golden State Warriors: Eric Paschall has been the best second-round rookie to start the season

The Golden State Warriors secured power forward Eric Paschall in the early 40s, and he’s been the best value pick of the 2019 NBA Draft.

With their third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors decided not to take a risk. Eric Paschall may have been the most risk-averse pick they could’ve taken when asked who they wanted with the 41st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

After three years with Villanova and four years at the collegiate level, Paschall entered the draft without knowing if he’d hear his name called at all. But, with his confidence and passion, nothing would’ve gotten in the way of him and his NBA dream.

When Paschall was draft, the Warriors really didn’t know what the next few months would hold. Kevin Durant left, D’Angelo Russell signed, and to top it all off, Stephen Curry was, within the first few games, injured and will be out until early February.

The reality that the team is now facing with Draymond Green, Russell, Curry and Thompson all out is that they needed someone to step up. You can’t just magically put 100 on the scoreboard, someone must get you there.

Paschall took that change on himself. He’s currently a top-50 player in terms of points per game, scoring 17.0 per game. He’s fourth on the list of rookies as No. 2 pick Ja Morant, No. 3 pick RJ Barrett and the 2018 undrafted guard Kendrick Nunn are above him.

His 4.6 rebounds per game are seventh among rookies as well. However, among players averaging over six field goal attempts per game, Paschall ranks second in field goal percentage at 56.8%. He’s been impactful all over the court, and he’s doing it effectively.

He’s arguably been the best rookie in terms of overall impact and efficiency.

Although there’s plenty of competition at the top, it’s clear that he’s been the best value and is one of the only second-round picks that are excelling in the league within the first few games.