With significant changes throughout their roster and seeking depth, the Golden State Warriors are hoping one of their three drafted rookies displays potential during Summer League.

Eric Paschall, the 41st pick in this past draft, seems to have built early momentum in comparison to fellow rookies Jordan Poole, the 28th selection, and Alen Smailagic, the 39th selection.

Paschall started at power forward alongside three former first-round picks and Poole but snatched some of the spotlight with his ball-handling ability and defensive presence both on and off the ball. While the Warriors were winless in three games in the California Classic, Paschall’s individual effort should promote optimism heading into the Las Vegas Summer League.

While a two-game sample isn’t much to work with, Paschall displayed some traits that likely can manifest in Las Vegas.

Facilitating

Some have compared Paschall to that of Draymond Green for his ability to distribute to the elbow. From a physical standpoint, the comparison applies.

Paschall measured at 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan while weighing 254 pounds at this year’s NBA Combine while Green is listed at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds. Green’s facilitating plays a key cog in how effective Steve Kerr’s offense runs, and he’s regularly scanning the floor from the elbow.

Here are three instances where Paschall is tasked with hitting an open Poole and another from above the arc:

While these appear to be simple reads for a big man hitting a cutting wing off a designed play, the importance lies within its purpose and long-term effect. A Paschall to Poole, Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry or D’Angelo Russell drawn-up play from Kerr is a potential glimpse into Golden State’s future with Paschall in and Green resting.

Paschall showed hustle and awareness with his assist in transition against the Lakers. He knows he has wings flanking him on both sides of the court and timely kicks out for a Poole three.

During his three-year stint at Villanova, Paschall increased his assist percentage each season, per Sports-Reference. While there’s plenty of context within that stat, the Warriors’ staff appears comfortable with Paschall directing traffic. Center Damian Jones is entering his fourth season in Golden State and Paschall played secondary playmaker in the California Classic instead of his elder teammate.

Although Paschall recorded five total turnovers in the two games, I don’t think many of them came via his passes.

Creating Offense From Each Level

Pachall showed that he’s capable of finishing with touch around the basket while tapping into his burly frame, and his 69.2 percent finishing at the rim during his senior year at Villanova is a good indication.

Again, working from the elbow, Paschall discards Hollis Thompson and lays it off the glass. Paschall is just a brute against lighter 4s and while dribbling head down and relying on physicality won’t consistently work, he can pick and choose opportunities when convenient.

Below, Paschall enters a crowd but composes himself with patience and draws an and-1.

Paschall has a penchant for over-dribbling, trying to create heading downhill, which won’t translate into efficient basketball coming into the regular season. More decisiveness will benefit him in this area. Paschall looked very instinctual on the defensive end, so maybe there’s some hidden upside on the offensive end.

Paschall had relative success in the intermediate/nail area. He doesn’t have adequate burst off the dribble to complement his strength, as he found difficulty turning the corner against his man. He’ll probably rely on strength to dislodge his man and create space for pull-ups and step backs in an NBA regular-season setting.

Also, Paschall has an unorthodox shooting motion that sticks out in pull-ups and catch-and-shoot looks. His legs veer off in different directions, as opposed to a natural motion, in a way that’s probably a hindrance to his jumper and outlook.

However, Paschall shot 37.4 percent on two-point jumpers last season, according to Hoop-Math. If a Curry or Thompson play breaks down and Paschall is forced to shoot a mid-range jumper as a fallback plan, Kerr shouldn’t feel unease about his big man’s chances. The intermediate area is where Paschall will be either part of a play design or playmaking, not creating for himself.

Paschall took 46.1 percent of his shots from three during his senior year at Villanova and he can be a viable NBA floor spacer with some refinement. His release comes from near his head and shoots a clean basketball. He went 2-of-3 from three for six of his 22 total points and his lone miss-hit off the back rim.

Despite missing the open attempt, Paschall displayed the ability to dash in transition and set up in an open area as the trailer. Caleb Swanigan isn’t fleet of foot and Paschall’s hustle stood out.

Paschall’s two makes from deep came via catch-and-shoot looks. Paschall’s dip into his shot isn’t quick and affords defenders more time to contest, but it appears that methodical dip helps him ease into his shot. There’s a lot of moving parts on his shot, but his touch mitigates that issue to a degree.

There was one instance where Paschall set a pindown for Poole to curl around and popped to the perimeter. Poole fed an open Paschall but instead of attempting the open three, Paschall dribbled into a deep pull-up two-point jumper. Maybe, he felt more comfortable dribbling into his jumper. With an emphasis on threes, however, Paschall needed to fire from distance for an open jumper. I’m sure he’ll have that message ingrained at the professional level.

On-Ball Defense

Paschall’s main draw as a prospect comes from the defensive side of the ball. Paschall can sit in his stance and mirror ball handler’s movements. But at 254 pounds, he may find success sliding against bigs and some wings. Dropping some weight in the offseason should benefit him. He stifled Hollis Thompson on a drive but allowed power forward Roscoe Allen to beat him off the dribble, which can happen if you’re flat foot, not in the ideal stance or late to react.

While he’s not adept heading north and south, he appears to be a great going left to right and vice versa in isolation. He also can feature his strength, too. The Kings use a double high ball screen to have Paschall on their ball handler. His picturesque footwork on the ball prevents an exploitable path to the basket. Paschall forces the pass then switches on Wenyen Gabriel before interfering with his hand for the foul.

Paschall had another crack at guarding Allen off the dribble and succeeded. This fantastic sequence displays Paschall’s switchability. He’s in Allen’s grill on the catch, slides with him to prevent the drive and then switches onto guard Joe Young. Paschall initially uses his strength to impede Young then slides with him before committing the shooting foul. When Young was trying to break down Paschall off the dribble along the perimeter, you can see Paschall sit in his stance then shift based on Young’s movement.

This was almost a really nice defensive possession by Eric Paschall, but unfortunately he fouls Joseph Young at the end. Regardless, you can still see Paschall's defensive versatility here pic.twitter.com/nhVw64Ufmr — Zach Milner (@ZachMilner13) July 3, 2019

Paschall isn’t locking down the typical wings he’ll face in the NBA in Summer League, but exhibiting some switchability leaves an impression to those witnessing it. Naturally, Paschall being able to check some guards and wings on a switch will be appreciated from Golden State’s guards and wings.

Off-Ball Defense

Paschall’s awareness and decision-making off of the ball provide an element any NBA team could utilize from a big man. Paschall sunk and filled to prevent a shot at the rim and force a turnover closed out on shooters and deflected a pass. He has a high activity level and it translates into defensive efficiency on the floor.

Paschall’s stocks (steals + blocks) total at Villanova wasn’t strong, but it’s easy to see his impact at the collegiate level as an off-ball lurker.

The first example illustrates Paschall’s recognition. Sacramento uses a ball screen to create a two-on-one advantage with Thompson and Swanigan. Paschall is occupied on the weak side but shifts his attention to the rolling Swanigan. Instead of taking a direct angle to contest, Paschall slides over and back. He puts himself in a contesting position with his hands up, leading to a turnover.

Against the Lakers, Paschall momentarily lost his man up the floor and put Damian Jones is a disadvantageous situation. Allen attacked past Jones but instead of sticking on his assignment, Paschall came over and set his feet in time for a charge. Paschall’s off-ball role could be more important than on-ball, due to how the game has evolved where wings are more often creators.

As the Warriors transition toward the Las Vegas Summer League, it will be interesting to see how Pascall continues to evolve as a passer and how he can improve.