National Basketball Association

Patrick McCaw looks poised in first NBA action

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

After a long history of poor selections and draft day trades, the Warriors haven’t gotten a lot wrong in recent history. From Stephen Curry to Draymond Green, Golden State built themselves a core that carried them to their first championship in 40 years and to a record-setting season the year after. They may have just won the draft again.

Patrick McCaw is a 6’7 wing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He’s just 20 years old. And he may be ready to be a contributor to a title-contender.

The Warriors played their first preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Of course, Kevin Durant was the main attraction. But it was McCaw who really stood out.

The rookie played 22 minutes and was 5-7 from the field and led the reserves with 11 points. He also came away with 4 assists and 5 steals. He was all over the place in the Warriors’ close loss.

He did most of his work late in the game when most of the regular rotation guys were sitting. But his feel for the game was evident. He was in-control whenever he had the ball in his hands.

A shooting guard/small forward combo, McCaw flashed his point guard-like vision. He hit teammates with some gorgeous passes. He read and reacted to defenses with expert composure. He used screens and threw perfect bounce passes to cutting teammates. There was also a beautiful drive in which he drew four defenders and, in mid-air, made an adjustment and found a wide open Kevon Looney under the basket.

McCaw→Looney!! https://t.co/pVAPOwl86G

— 本気。off-season (@honki_imorock) October 2, 2016

At his size with that kind of vision, McCaw will have no problem fitting into what the Warriors have been doing over the last few years. He was patient, waiting for the right opening. He was shifty with the rock in his hands, keeping the defense off balance. Kevin Durant even noted this, saying “he’s got a lot of patience for a rookie. I’m excited about him.”

The rookie took the last shot of the game for the Warriors which has got to put a small on everyone’s face. He’s just 20 and he wants to take that shot, even though, ultimately, it doesn’t mean much. That fearless mentality just can’t be taught.

After the game ended, Durant took McCaw under his arm and was talking to him. His teammates clearly believe in him. From Stephen Curry to Durant, it’s obvious that they admire the rookie’s talent.

McCaw looked like a veteran in his first real NBA game. Admittedly, he wasn’t going up against the best of the best, but the game looked like it came naturally to him. With all of the high-IQ talent around him, he should be able to thrive.

Get excited, Warriors fans.