Patrick McCaw: Another Brilliant Warriors Creation
OAKLAND- On a night that seemed, and should have been so simple, drama overtook the typical day-to-day routine of the best team in the NBA. A night where playing the Brooklyn Nets became overshadowed by drama, superstar absence, and record-breaking achievements. Yes, the 2016-2017 Warriors became the fastest team to clinch an NBA playoff berth, and yes, Draymond Green may have a persisting feud with Steve Kerr, but the intrigue of a swap of Kevin Durant for the rookie, Patrick McCaw, was the true showing of the many layers that make up the Warriors’ greatness.
Kevin Durant’s hand tweak in the Warriors previous game verse the Clippers sat him out for Saturday night’s contest against the Brooklyn Nets. In comes the 6’7” combo-guard out of UNLV, Patrick McCaw. McCaw’s skill set is unique, uniquely one of a Warrior. Golden State General Manager, Bob Myers’ stated, “I just thought he would help us win games… [we] saw a guy that could defend, handle, good rebounder, good assist man… We just saw a guy that fit the way we played.”
Going up against the Nets meant a light night for the Dubs, so starting a rookie guard with no defined position was not a huge head-scratcher. In terms of how McCaw played, Steve Kerr was happy, saying that, “He is a very instinctive basketball player. He feels it. He sees the game. I thought he was really really good tonight.” Steve Kerr also spoke on how one specific trait made McCaw a difference maker, “Great energy, that’s the main thing from Patrick. When he plays with that frenetic energy on the defensive end, and then his cutting and moving offensively make a lot of things happen.”
McCaw finished the game 3-7 from the field, with 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 impressive blocks. McCaw was aggressive from deep, shooting 5 three-point shots but only making 1. However, Bob Myers admired Patrick’s new found aggression on the offensive end, saying, “Tonight he was good. Just got to keep working…its better when he is aggressive”. Myers’ words did not end there, rather comparing McCaw to none other than Draymond Green, “You never know what you are going to get when you draft somebody, and Draymond Green is a testament to that; [McCaw] is still on his way."
Although this performance seems underwhelming, which may be true, this really is about the Warriors and their future. Shaun Livingston & Ian Clark both have uncertain futures with the team next year, so depth at the guard position is a top concern for the franchise going forward. Not only is McCaw a replacement, but he is a pure bred Warrior: everything Kerr, the coaching staff, and front office could ask for. A young player, who is relatively experienced in the Dubs system, has the looks of a major asset not only in the present, but later down the road. Against Brooklyn, we got a glimpse of what he could be.
Replacing Kevin Durant put this young guard on a high pedestal, and while his performance may not have jumped out the page, he definitely did not disappoint. After all, he is just another puzzle piece to Steve Kerr’s masterpiece of a team.