The Golden State Warriors desperately need Eric Paschall to return

While the Golden State Warriors are still in playoff contention and most certainly are in play-in tournament position in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, they haven’t been nearly as solid offensively as fans would hope for.

Against the Mavericks, the Warriors put up 29 points in the first half. It was one of the most-telling performances of the season. While Eric Paschall doesn’t completely solve their woes with consistent playmaking, he would, at the very least, help.

The Golden State Warriors are under a month away from the play-in tournament, and getting Eric Paschall back on the court will be pivotal for their success.

Paschall hasn’t played since April 2. The Warriors have been saved by the best-shooting month in league history from Stephen Curry.

Curry missed a game early in the month and still broke the record for most triples in a month with two games remaining. He’s been on fire, and that’s been what’s catapulted the Warriors back to around .500.

But, when he doesn’t play well, Golden State can fall behind quickly, like we saw with their game against Dallas. That’s where a player that can go get a bucket like Paschall becomes extra useful, not to mention the Warriors have been operating without a true center.

Kevon Looney is traditionally a power forward despite playing as the team’s only center. James Wiseman went down with a season-ending injury, hurting the Dubs’ already-depleted frontcourt.

That said, the Warriors for those reasons need Paschall back, but he won’t be returning Thursday. Thankfully, it’s looking likely that he’ll be making his return within the next week though. Paschall’s been out with a hip injury.

The second-year forward is averaging 9.5 points per game, shooting 49 percent from the field. He’s also improved his three-point shooting, hitting over 32 percent from deep.

Paschall isn’t necessarily the type of player to instantly wreak havoc on an opponent, but his ability to create off the dribble and just the energy he brings overall is contagious.

It’ll lift the Warriors’ second unit, one that doesn’t have much scoring aside from Jordan Poole and Kelly Oubre Jr. If the Warriors can get healthy, aside from Wiseman, they’ll have a team with scoring both in their starting unit and second unit.

It’s tough to see this team contending for a title, but at full strength and with Curry playing lights out, they’ll be a tough team to take on in the playoffs.