Big man Eric Paschall kept it real that the last offseason served as a tough blow on his professional career.
After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Utah Jazz, Paschall revealed that he was in a concerning position on how he will continue to play basketball.
He admitted that his mental health was battered, and had a point in his life to finally hang his basketball sneakers and decide to walk away.
“It was just a lot, you know what I’m saying?” Paschall said, per Star Tribune’s Chris Hine. “I feel like mentally I wasn’t in the greatest place. Just tired. I was like, ‘I might just stop playing basketball.’
“You see the other players getting picked up, you’re not getting a call. You’re calling your agent every day. So I was at a point where I was like I might walk away.”
In the challenging times he endured, he gained support from his good friend Donovan Mitchell – which leaves an indelible feeling of appreciation in his part.
“Donovan was actually in my ear damn near every day,” Paschall said. ” … I had a lot of good people in my corner. And had to have a lot of tough conversations, but I’m glad I had them.”
Eventually in late July, a call up appeared on his notification, and he didn’t allow to miss the opportunity.
Both Paschall and the Minnesota Timberwolves inked a two-way deal. Though it serves as a minimal deal, Paschall stands thankful of the chance he was presented.
“It wasn’t really the easiest decision. Had to have a lot of tough conversations about it,” he said. “But I feel like I’m in a pretty good place now. Pretty happy that I’m here.”
