Forward Eric Paschall should truly be getting consideration for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.
The Golden State Warriors knew they were getting a seasoned collegiate veteran when they drafted former Villanova power forward Eric Paschall in the second round. He’s turned out to be so much more on both ends of the court than Golden State could’ve imagined.
With Stephen Curry leaving the team’s fourth game of the season with a hand injury, the Warriors knew they were in trouble. Later diagnosed with a broken left hand, the Warriors offense immediately went from one of the league’s best to one of the league’s worst.
That change opened up opportunities for a few players to step up. While they’re still just 4-19, the Warriors have seen a few silver linings, especially Paschall.
With D’Angelo Russell missing the last few weeks, Draymond Green out numerous games, and Klay Thompson still rehabbing his torn ACL, Paschall has had a prime chance, even as a rookie, to take over as the team’s leader.
He’s done just that.
Paschall is averaging 17.3 points, second among rookies, on 51% shooting. He also tacks on 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He has the best field goal percentage of rookies that have shot over 150 field goal attempts.
Like Ja Morant, Paschall has been given the ultimate green light. The two, one the second overall pick and the other the 41st pick, are the current front-runners for Rookie of the Year, and given his efficiency, there’s no reason Paschall shouldn’t be the ultimate favorite.
There’s competition though.
Undrafted rookie Kendrick Nunn, No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett and lottery pick Tyler Herro have all been playing outstanding basketball with Nunn and Herro the only two on a team that may actually reach the playoffs.
However, combining his stats and obvious skill, there’s no reason for Paschall not to, at the very least, be in the ROY conversation.
The 23-year-old entered the draft after five years in college, one sitting out due to transfer, and after that time, he’s finally getting his shot after developing his skill for so long.
Paschall deserves this opportunity and he deserves consideration for ROY.