The Golden State Warriors had a terrible start to the new campaign, as they suffered a blowout defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, 141-122. It was far from the start Dubs fans had imagined, as they were absolutely pummeled by a Clippers side that was missing the services of summer big-name signing, Paul George (shoulder injury).
To make matters worse for the new-look Warriors side, they lost their starting center, Kevon Looney, after just 10 minutes of action after the 6-foot-9 big man was forced to exit the game due to a hamstring issue. Looney has been struggling with his right hamstring since the preseason, and the fact that he suffered another setback on opening night does not bode well for his immediate future.
While the Warriors medical staff officially labeled the injury as nothing more than hamstring tightness, it would not be surprising if the 23-year-old is forced to miss additional time in order for him to fully recover from the injury.
One of the bright spots of the rather forgettable evening against the Clippers was the performance of Warriors rookie Eric Paschall. The 6-foot-9 forward absorbed much of Looney's minutes, and the young man produced quite a memorable debut for his team.
Paschall logged 31 minutes of action (second only to fellow debutante D'Angelo Russell's team-high 33 minutes played) throughout the contest, accounting for 14 points (on 6-of-13 shooting), four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and just one turnover.
The loss of Looney is certainly a big blow for The Warriors, but at the very least, team head coach Steve Kerr appears to have found a temporary filler for his team's frontcourt problem.
Willie Cauley-Stein, who signed with the Dubs this summer on a two-year, $4.5 million deal was expected to be Looney's primary backup, but he too is without a firm timetable to return due to a foot sprain.
Former eighth overall pick Marquese Chriss also signed with Golden State last summer, but the 22-year-old struggled in his Warriors debut, collecting four fouls in his first eight minutes of action.
All these circumstances seem to point to one thing: Eric Paschall might just see a significant bump in his playing time in the interim. Coach Kerr will need someone to man the five spot, and as it seems, Paschall is the next man up.
He did himself a huge favor by stepping up when his number was called on Thursday, and it would not be surprising if the Warriors give him an increased role in the rotation moving forward.
Last June's 41st overall pick possesses the type of tools Kerr wants to see in his players, and his all-around game might just prove pivotal in what appears to be a tremendous opportunity Paschall has in front of him. Even if Looney is able to make his return soon, the Warriors will definitely be cautious with their promising big man, and some form of minutes limit would not be surprising.
This should provide Paschall with minutes in the mid-'20s for the next couple of weeks.
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