The Golden State Warriors had a remarkable victory against the Houston Rockets but it wasn’t all good news as Eric Paschall injured his hip.
The rookie forward, who was selected with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the year for Golden State. He ranks No. 5 overall on USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire Power Rankings.
However, he has been banged up with various injuries and ailments over the past few weeks. Paschall managed only six minutes of action on Christmas, recording just one field goal attempt against the Rockets.
Eric Paschall suffered a contusion to his right hip but it's not considered to be serious, Steve Kerr says.
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) December 26, 2019
According to Warriors coach Steve Kerr, the reason Paschall was not on the floor for longer is the rookie suffered a right hip contusion. Even though Kerr does not think the injury is serious, this is a growing concern for the team.
His hip has been a lingering issue for the rookie during his NBA career. But the forward has had other ailments, too.
Paschall suffered an injured right hand in mid-November. He then had an early exit during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 20 due to a knee injury. Fortunately, the MRI came back clean.
Eric Paschall to the locker room, followed by Rick Celebrini. Entered the game with a sore hip, which has been problem the past few weeks, also landed awkwardly late in the first quarter, as a Pelican crashed into his leg. Bumps of the season getting to the rookie a bit.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 21, 2019
Golden State veteran Draymond Green, however, has noted that taking some time off may actually be a good thing for the former Villanova star (via San Francisco Chronicle):
“It might be a blessing if he has to miss a week or two. Things came at him really fast. … He handled it well, but it may not be the worst thing if he has to miss a week or two.”
Paschall has now been held out of the starting lineup for five games in a row.
Even though the missed time could hurt his chances of winning Rookie of the Year or earning First-Team All-Rookie considerations, the rest may go a long way for his future.
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