Before we get all crazy, let’s remember: Zion Williamson has already missed 20 games this season, and Ja Morant is also injured. They are probably better than Paschall. But to say he doesn’t deserve to be in the running is disrespectful and just frankly idiotic. Ever since Steph Curry got injured, he’s been the primary go-to scorer for the Warriors. This is not saying that he is carrying the Warriors to win because they are still bad this year due to injuries. However, Eric Paschall is silently having one of the best rookie years this season.
Eric Paschall Stats
At the moment, he is leading all rookies in points with 364 and rebounds with 81. That has got to count for something. As far as his per game average, he is averaging 17.3 PPG on 50.7% shooting, and 5.3 RPG in 32 minutes. For a rookie season, that is stupendous. Sure, his usage rate is probably higher because of the lack of talent on that Warriors team. But we shouldn’t hold that against him if he is putting up the stats to at least be considered for the ROY award.
I think injuries and time played should be a factor in deciding the Rookie of the Year. Joel Embiid didn’t win ROY because he was injured for half the season. Despite the fact that he had better stats than other rookies in those games. The same logic should apply here. If Zion plays this season, he should be mostly out of the running for Rookie of the Year since he’s already missed 25% of the season. Ja Morant is now dealing with injuries, so how many games he misses should be a factor in the voting as well. If Ja continues to miss games, the ROY contest should be between RJ Barrett and Eric Paschall no question. I’m not saying Eric Paschall is a lock for the award, but it’s time to put some RESPECT on my man’s name. He will be a great piece for the one year rebuild on the Warriors next year.
