The influx of new talent to the Golden State Warriors during the team’s youth movement means the team’s core players — Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green — will have some new teammates to get to know. That also means the Dub Nation faithful will have some new players to cheer for when the 2019-20 NBA season tips off in October.
To help Golden State fans get to know these Bay Area newbies, Warriors Wire brings you this “3 things to know” series.
Here’s what you need to know about one of the Warriors’ new backup power forward:
Eric Paschall
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 254
NBA experience: Rookie / No. 41 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft (Villanova)
2018-19 averages: 31.7 minutes, 16.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 47% field goals, 42% three-pointers, 70% free throws
How he can help the Warriors
Paschall brings a budding versatility that resembles none other than Draymond Green’s, and that’s exactly what the Warriors need in a No. 2 power forward. Paschall can score, but more importantly, he can put up numbers efficiently, evidenced by his 47% field goal and 42% three-point shooting during his senior season at Villanova. Paschall can create his own shot with isolation plays, he can work in pick-and-roll situations and he can cut to the basket. If he can get a clean look from the perimeter he can make the shot but it’s a matter of him getting a clean look. He also is a strong finisher around the rim, so fans should expect Paschall to zoom in and clean up the glass or slam one home. On defense, he has the size to contest other forwards or centers his size. He has quick hands for rebounding and is a solid passer — two skills the team relies on from Green and could use from Paschall in the second unit.
Area(s) of concern
Paschall has shown middling ability with shooting off the dribble. With opponents sure to know that weakness, he will be forced into those shots. Instead of taking them, he’ll need to muster the poise to make the extra pass to create a different play, perhaps one that includes using his 6-foot-7 body as a screener. At 70% free-throw shooting, teams won’t be afraid to foul Paschall, for a trip to the line. He’ll need to improve from the charity stripe.
Paschall on Warriors Media Day
Fun fact(s)
Paschall played under Villanova head coach Jay Wright, who joined Warriors coach Steve Kerr as assistant coaches with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team at the FIBA World Cup in China. Kerr has said that getting to pick Wright’s brain about Paschall, but also about second-year center Omari Spellman, gives him a leg up in being an effective coach with two players who could prove very important to the team.
