It's difficult to focus on anything other than the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic right now, but a little sports-talk distraction can help. In this particular case, let's focus on the young Warriors and their best statistical stretches from the regular season.
Sure, the Warriors have not won many games this season. In fact, they are dead last in the standings. But the future is bright for the team, and these players all showed their high-ceiling potential during these stretches:
Eric Paschall
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Nov. 2 - Dec. 4, 2019:
17 games, 33.5 minutes, 18.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 48.8 FG%, 33.3 3PT%
Paschall burst onto the NBA scene and became a legitimate NBA Rookie of the Year candidate during this early stretch. Collecting over six rebounds per game will be something that he will try to repeat next season.
Feb. 27 - March 10, 2020:
Golden State Warriors
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Seven games, 31.6 minutes, 19.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 54.9 FG%, 35.0 3PT%
Only a seven-game sample size, but Paschall put up sensational numbers at nearly 20 points per game on 55 percent shooting. Working on his 3-point shot will be a big project for him over the offseason, but if he can shoot near 35 percent from beyond the arc next season, the coaches and front office will be ecstatic.
Dishing out over five assists per game might have been the most impressive part of this stretch, as Paschall showed off playmaking abilities that many did not know he possessed.
Marquese Chriss
Feb. 8 - March 10, 2020:
12 games, 26.8 minutes, 14.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, 61.1 FG%, 80.0 FT%
A 22-year-old big man who can finish above and protect the rim, has superb athleticism, fights for rebounds and dishes the ball to open teammates.
The Warriors just about hit the jackpot with Chriss. Check out the 80 percent from the free throw line as well, which -- if maintained -- should help keep him on the court late in games.
Damion Lee
Dec. 13, 2019 - Jan. 8, 2020:
13 games, 31.5 minutes, 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 42.8 FG%, 42.1 3PT%
Lee proved a lot of his naysayers wrong when he showed he was a lot more than just a long-range shooter. During this stretch, he became the symbol of the Warriors' hustle and energy, as exemplified by his nearly seven rebounds per game from the shooting guard position.
That 42-percent clip from deep is still his bread and butter, however, and the Warriors will be better for having his spacing on the court next season.
Feb. 10 - March 7, 2020:
11 games, 33.0 minutes, 16.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 44.3 FG%, 37.2 3PT%
During this stretch, Lee's role jumped around from go-to scorer to facilitating point guard, and he was impressive in his ability to be solid in all duties. His versatility and low-cost production will be crucial next season.
Jordan Poole
Feb. 8 - March 3, 2020:
Nine games, 29.4 minutes, 15.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 47.7 FG%, 34.0 3PT%
At only 20 years old, most thought that Poole would be a project who would eventually see a role as a sweet-shooting two-guard. And yet, outside shooting became Poole's least reliable weapon as a rookie as he adapted to the league. Instead, he became a dynamic playmaker who was most confident with the ball in his hands and creating for others.
His ability to attack and finish at the hoop considerably improved over the year as well. His nearly 16 points per game over this stretch obviously catches the eye, but the improved shooting percentages are what matter most with Poole when looking toward the future.
[RELATED: Warriors GM Myers reveals one aspect of plan for roster]
Ky Bowman
Nov. 2 - Nov. 25, 2019:
13 games, 26.4 minutes, 11.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 turnovers, 51.7 FG%, 45.0 3PT%
Bowman was fantastic early in the season when he knew he was going to play a lot and in a scoring-guard role. His shooting percentages were elite and he played his typical hounding defense.
However, the coaching staff knew that Bowman eventually would have to change his mindset and style to fill the backup point guard minutes next season, and his game faltered a good amount as he focused on being a facilitator first.
Yes, the 45 percent from deep is as impressive as can be, but the 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio was what convinced the coaching staff to have confidence in his ability to make the role change for next year.