When D’Angelo Russell has sat and the Golden State Warriors needed scoring, it’s been second-round pick Eric Paschall that’s answered the call.
Not known as the go-to scorer at the collegiate level, Eric Paschall has erupted when he’s forced to be the Golden State Warriors’ main scoring option. Paschall was one of the team’s two second-round picks.
With the ultimate green light, Paschall has an interesting style of play.
At 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, Paschall has a Green-like frame and already has shown a better niche at scoring. He just overpowers smaller defenders with ease, and when he needs to use his versatility, he can do that to blow by larger forwards.
This has created a dynamic that was difficult to predict.
After four years in college, Paschall has answered the call. When Russell has sat, which has been four games this season, Paschall has averaged 27 points per game. He’s also averaged 7.5 rebounds per game.
The most impressive part is that he’s doing that productive offensive efficiently as well. Paschall, without Russell, is shooting 54% from the field. The team was also able to, behind the play of the star rookie, win one of those four games.
The Warriors will be without D’Angelo Russell for a little while longer, however, the team should get players like Kevon Looney and Jacob Evans III back in the near future. But, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll take minutes from Paschall given his high level of play and importance in the offense.
Averaging the third-most points per game as a rookie, Paschall is the league’s most efficient rookie that’s taking over ten shots per game. It’s been a surprising development as all 29 other teams passed on the Villanova star.
While he doesn’t rack up many defensive numbers, Paschall is also not a huge liability to turn the ball over either. The combination of those and all his numbers have made him a must-start player for Steve Kerr moving forward.
Paschall has made a name for himself, and he’ll continue to contribute even when this roster is all full strength. Upon return of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson either this year or next, Paschall will have that built trust and be a quality contributor.
He’s going to be a stud for this team for quite a while.