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Golden State Warriors: Which rookie will make the biggest initial impact?

By Justin Fried

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Saddiq Bey #15 and Eric Paschall #4 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrate in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers during the semifinal round of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Saddiq Bey #15 and Eric Paschall #4 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrate in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers during the semifinal round of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 23: Eric Paschall #4 of the Villanova Wildcats is defended by Matt Haarms #32 of the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. Golden State Warriors (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. Eric Paschall

Even though Eric Paschall was the Warriors final of three rookies selected in this year’s draft, he’s already in-line for the biggest workload to start the season.

Some of that is due to his skillset while the other aspect of it is situational. Either way, Paschall should see a good amount of minutes early on in his career.

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The Villanova product was drafted to be a well-rounded, high-worth-ethic, team leader type who projects as a versatile role player in the NBA for years to come. He may not have as high of a ceiling as Smailagic or Poole, but it’s very easy to see him playing 10+ years in the NBA.

Paschall has no real glaring weakness on offense. He can drive effectively, he’s a reliable passer, and he has strong mid-range and outside games for a power forward. And on defense, Paschall is about as sound as they come for a first-year player.

The comparisons to teammate Draymond Green have been flooding in well before he was even drafted by the Warriors and it’s easy to see why. In fact, Paschall is now slated to be Green’s primary backup this season.

With no other true power forwards on the roster — save for fellow rookie Smailagic — Paschall could see a lot of work at the four with Green off the floor. We could also see some Kevon Looney at the spot when the team goes big with their lineup, but Paschall figures to be the first man up.

dark. Next. Golden State Warriors: Realistic expectations for three 2019 draft picks

That’s good news for Paschall and even better news for the Warriors who desperately need their rookies to make some kind of initial impact this season.

And if they’re going to rely on any of their rookies to do so, it’s best to count on Paschall.

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