The Golden State Warriors are in the midst of an abysmal 2019-20 NBA season following their decade of dominance. While there has not been much for them to hang their hat on these days, forward Eric Paschall has emerged as one of the few bright spots this year.
Eric Paschall has established himself as quite a steal after being taken with the 41st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. According to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, his father Juan says his son is on a mission to prove he was better than those that were taken ahead of him:
“On the night of the draft, he was visibly upset being picked 41st,” said Juan Paschall, Eric's dad. “He said, ‘Dad, I think I’m better than them.’ I said, ‘Go prove it. Make picks No. 1 through 40 feel like you felt when you were picked No. 41.’ It was a bit of a backlash when some of those first-rounders wasn’t picked for this (Rising Stars) game. But that’s how Eric felt on draft night.”
Eric Paschall had done all he could to prove his status as a bonafide NBA prospect after playing an integral role for Villanova's title team in 2018. Although he may have had to wait to hear his name called longer than he initially expected, it is certainly encouraging to see that he used his status as an overlooked talent for further motivation.
The chip on his shoulder has helped Eric Paschall emerge as one of the most promising, young frontcourt players in the league.
Eric Paschall is now in the midst of a strong rookie campaign averaging 13.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting over 48% from the field. His efforts were even enough to earn him a spot on Team USA for the Rising Stars Game and he took full advantage of the spotlight with 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting.
Eric Paschall continues to make significant statements in a lost season for Golden State. These statements could become more meaningful in 2021, assuming the Warriors' superstars are back on court in full health.
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