Eric Paschall has emerged as one of the top rookies so far this season.
The second-round pick has burst onto the scene for the Golden State Warriors essentially out of need. The Warriors have had a bad case of the injury bug this season with 11 players missing at least one game due to injury. Of course, that includes Stephen Curry, who is out indefinitely after breaking his hand, and Klay Thompson, who is out all year with a torn ACL.
But, as they say, injuries create opportunity and Paschall has fully taken advantage. He entered the NBA Draft touted as a player that can contribute immediately, which is exactly what he has done. He is averaging 15.6 points per game, good for fourth among all rookies. He was the first Warriors rookie since Curry to record 25 points in back-to-back games.
His hard work to this point can be attributed to his strong rookie start but he has also leaned on the Warriors’ veterans for advice, like Draymond Green. Paschall recently stopped by SportsCenter for an interview and praised the former Defensive Player of the Year.
He is just a great dude off of the court and is always having fun, always trying to bring energy on and off of the court. Learning from him has helped me a lot just because he sees the game in so many different ways and he is so smart. I just try to pick his brain however way I can and just keep trying to learn.
When in L.A. ⭐️@epaschall swung by @SportsCenter today to talk about his rookie campaign and life as a member of #DubNation pic.twitter.com/TzpbePr1X0
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 13, 2019
Paschall has been among the first-year players to emerge seemingly out of nowhere and it has been a revelation for the Warriors. They have found some key role players in the past and the former Villanova forward is yet another example.
While the Warriors could very well miss the playoffs this season after a 2-9 start, the emergence of Paschall has been encouraging and he does not appear to be slowing down any time soon.
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