Warriors' forward Eric Paschall spoke about the importance of Stephen Curry's character to the development of the team Friday afternoon. Opening up to reporters during the organization's media availability, Paschall explained how open and approachable the two-time MVP had been throughout last season. Via Jessica Kleinschmidt of NBC Sports:
“He’s like a regular dude, and I feel like that’s important because everyone sees him as a superstar, and he is — obviously but he’s a great dude,” Paschall said during Warriors’ media availability on Friday. “He’s good to go to if you have any questions and he’s always looking out for his teammates.”
Drafted in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft, Paschall had been seen as a player with a low ceiling given his spotty shooting numbers, and advanced age, 23, entering the draft. Though his size and wingspan, which reaches over 6'11, intrigued several organizations, it was Golden State who selected him with the 41st pick in the draft. In taking a chance on the former Villanova product, the Warriors were pleasantly surprised by the development of Paschall in his rookie year, with the forward averaging almost 14 points per game, on 49% shooting.
Compared to PJ Tucker by head coach Steve Kerr, Paschall's continued development will be a key factor in determining Golden State's fate as they enter the season without the injured Klay Thompson. With their prospects at a deep postseason run severely hampered by the loss, the Warriors likely need further surprises among their young core if they hope to contend.
While Steph Curry will almost certainly put up All-NBA numbers once again, it may be that his biggest contribution to the future of the franchise, as Paschall explains it, is his willingness to watch out for his teammates.
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