2017/18 was a significant sophomore slump for McCaw, who failed to capitalise on his late-season momentum as a rookie and instead fell out of the Warriors' rotation for much of the season, including the post-season. Nevertheless, McCaw received a qualifying offer from the Warriors, a standing offer of a guaranteed $1,699,698 that is still extant today. A report at one time said that McCaw as likely to sign it, but he has not yet done so - the Warriors will be hoping that if he does return to the team, they can get him back to the heady, wiry, part-time handling versatile perimeter threat he once looked to be. There is still plenty of time on his side.
Patrick McCaw PG/SG/SF - 6’7, 185lbs - 22 years old - 2 years of experience
After a good end to his rookie season in which he had some big time moments in the playoffs, Pat McCaw was hoping to build off of that going into his second season. However, due in part to injury but also due to simply stagnated growth, he ended up disappointing as a sophomore.
Across the board, McCaw’s numbers were either the same or slightly less than those of his rookie campaign. His scoring was down, his rebounding was down, his turnovers were up, his efficiency in all offensive categories was down, and defensively, he had less impact. Even comparing the whole season’s numbers, and not just the final third when he came good, he was down. As a rookie, McCaw’s season-long numbers were unimpressive. They needed to be better than that this year. And they weren't.
McCaw’s worrying-looking injury during the playoffs is partly why he was a non-factor during them, but he was also out of the rotation before then due to his lack of impact on the court. Specifically, McCaw seemed unable to make outside shots this season, which, although he is a decent enough tertiary ball handler and playmaker, will be something he needs to do in order to blend in considering the strength of the offensive weaponry around him.
He may have high IQ three-and-D player potential if he is able to do both parts of that equation. This season, he was not. And as he enters free agency on a team that, despite winning back to back titles, is in some state of roster flux as financial pressures been to bite, McCaw heads to free agency having not exactly win his place. Nick Young’s spot was up for grabs, and McCaw could not win it.
Player Plan: Expiring minimum salary. QO possible, but not earned. Maybe retain him for the minimum with a view to growth potential, but many a minimum salary veteran free agent can do what McCaw has done, and better.
Patrick McCaw SG/SF, 6’7, 185lbs, 21 years old, 1 year of experience
It was a pretty good season for McCaw, and certainly one better than the numbers suggest. He crescendoed towards the end of the year, earning quite a lot of trust for a second round rookie in the Warriors' very trusting rotation, having some good moments defensively and spotting up from outside at times. The Pat McCaw of a few years time, when he has grown stronger physically, more confident, and is consistently in better control of the ball, could be the defensively-minded point-forward-style complimentary player that every team could use. And even while that development is awaited, he still has offered some useful moments in the immediate term.
Player Plan: One more year at the minimum salary, guaranteed. Keep, play, and maybe he can take Iguodala’s place down the line, if not to that level.
