Former rookie standout signs with Puerto Rican team

Former NBA forward Eric Paschall will resume his playing career in Puerto Rico, having signed with Leones de Ponce, according to an announcement from the club.

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 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists 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 26-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 the season’s end, but didn’t receive a qualifying offer from Utah and became unrestricted.

Paschall contemplated retirement last summer before signing a two-way contract with the Timberwolves. He was waived by Minnesota during the first week of the regular season, with lingering Achilles issues possibly factoring into that decision.

Paschall’s new team, Leones de Ponce, competes in Puerto Rico’s top basketball league, Baloncesto Superior Nacional. The 2023 BSN season will tip off on March 22.