The Timberwolves have waived forward Eric Paschall, per Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). The team confirmed the news in a press release.
Pachall was on a two-way deal with the Wolves, so they now have a two-way opening after releasing him. Minnesota also recently converted center Luka Garza to a two-way deal from an Exhibit 10 contract, waiving guard A.J. Lawson to make room for him.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic (Twitter link), the Wolves were “very excited” to land Paschall on a two-way deal, but it sounds like he may have been cut due to “lingering Achilles issues.” He only appeared in one preseason game for the Wolves for 13 minutes, scoring one point.
The No. 41 pick in the 2019 draft, Paschall began his NBA career with the Warriors and had an impressive rookie season in Golden State in 2019/20, averaging 14.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.1 APG in 60 games (27.6 MPG). His role declined in his second season and he was traded in the 2021 offseason to Utah, where his minutes dipped further.
In 58 appearances last season for the Jazz, the 25-year-old averaged 5.8 PPG and 1.8 RPG on .485/.370/.767 shooting in 12.7 MPG. He was eligible for restricted free agency at season’s end, but didn’t receive a qualifying offer from Utah and became unrestricted.
It took about a month for Paschall to find a new team in free agency, and he said he contemplated retirement before ultimately accepting the two-way deal with Minnesota.
“It was just a lot, you know what I’m saying?” Paschall said. “I feel like mentally I wasn’t in the greatest place. Just tired. I was like, ‘I might just stop playing basketball.’ … You see the other players getting picked up, you’re not getting a call. You’re calling your agent every day. So I was at a point where I was like I might walk away.”
It’s unclear what the future holds for the three-year veteran, but he’ll clear waivers on Friday if he goes unclaimed.
Paschall has a place in this league. He’s way better than some vet bigs that got contracts
As a what? 6-6 power forward? Can’t shoot, can’t guard, can’t create for others, no handles, turnover prone, no Corner 3 and can’t block shots. Give him a couple years to develop a jumper and he’ll be fine but as of right now there’s no place for him.
He’s nearly 26, I don’t think he has a couple more years to develop a jumper. To be fair though he did shoot .370 from deep last at a low volume last year in Utah although watching him in a few games he didn’t bring much else to the table.
Just hoping he’ll come back at 28 with a three. I don’t think he should retire.
His rookie year was promising. But yeah, he is far from a lock as a rotational player as of now. My point is that rather take a flyer on a guy with some upside than waste a roster spot with a third string vet big. Also, i like him as a 4 or 5 in small ball lineups
Sometime Wednesday afternoon..
Hey Dom, it’s Air-ik.., ‘sup.
“Who?” C’mon man, EP. You got a spot?
“Who’s this?” Awww dute… Air-ik !!! I need a spot.
Click.
Cavs could maybe give him that last roster spot or the 2 way. He is really close to Donovan Mitchell and make the transition easier for Mitchell.
If he stuck with warriors and been more patient he might be a good bench player. He wanted more playing time and left Warriors. Sometimes you need to be just patient and learn how to play. Look how Payton jr, JTA, Lee. All stayed patient and now have bench roles with teams.
As a Two Way player for a team trying too contend he’s not bad
They needed a small ball 5 that could space the floor, and many other teams could use him too, but if hes still injured, it’s understandable for now…still surprised they cut both Lawson and Dozier. Maybe they use that spot to grab someone that can help guard at the guard spot
Naz Reid is a vastly superior small ball 5… Seems like the Wolves feel the same about Garza…
Damn I just ordered his jersey.