Fit with the Sixers
Paschall’s role/fit on the Sixers would look nearly identical to one of last year’s fan favorites: Mike Scott. I wouldn’t expect a few dozen new tattoos and a ninja headband anytime soon, but Paschall has the ability to excel in a similar role.
Mike Scott has a simple role for the Sixers: shoot threes, defend, and provide an edge. Those are the three things that prop up Paschall’s draft stock. Both can be put in lineups rather seamlessly. They’re low maintenance grinders that know how to star in their role. It’s not making every play, it’s about making the right play.
Eric Paschall could be a really interesting piece for the Sixers. His defensive versatility could make him a fit at 3-5 . Assuming the Sixers can retain most of the team, he could be another long athletic forward that can switch on defense and exploit mismatches. Paschall could be a pseudo-center alongside Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons. Inversely, Paschall could be the small forward in a lineup with Jonah Bolden and Joel Embiid. There are plenty of ways and personnel to put Paschall in positions to succeed.
3-and-D tweener forwards usually sound better than they actually are. Much like combo guards, its rare to get equal productions from two positions. Paschall could succeed at either forward position due to his well-rounded game and physicality. If Paschall can routinely knock down threes and become the defender people think he can, he could be a steal in the early second round.
The Sixers traded away a Villanova star last year during the draft, if they want to grab another, Eric Paschall could become a key two-way contributor who knows how to win.