Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski’s brash confidence has rubbed some people the wrong way.
Last season, teammate Andrew Wiggins took exception to the then rookie questioning his decision-making. The team’s fans believe he needs to let his play do the talking. That being said, his latest comments drew even more criticism, with the 21-year-old describing in detail how he’s improved over the offseason.
“I know (that) I’ve gotten better,” Podziemski says on Willard & Dibs. “I can feel it… see it.”
“I know I’ve gotten better. I can feel it, I can see it… Took out the floaters, took out the hook shots. Put in more mid-range stuff, more 3’s off the dribble, more 3’s off the catch.” 👀
– Brandin Podziemski on @WillardAndDibs.
🎧 https://t.co/JzQSwbA9lo pic.twitter.com/PB0hlvIHGX
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 15, 2024
“Took out the floaters,” the Santa Clara product says. “Took out the hook shots. Put in more midrange stuff, more 3s off the dribble, (and) more 3s off the catch.”
Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski Makes Bold Proclamation Ahead Of Next Season
All things considered, Podziemski’s changes to his shot diet could lead to him becoming even more efficient next season.
To that point, Podziemski made 41.0 percent of his floaters and 28.1 percent of his hook shots in 2023-24. However, he also converted just 31.3 percent of his midrange opportunities and 35.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s. On the other end of the spectrum, he shot 45.5 percent from 3 (30-66) on pull-up attempts.
So, while Podziemski made a commendable 45.4 percent of his field goal attempts and 38.5 percent of his 3-point attempts last season, he could be looking to join the 50-40-90 club. If he’s also worked on his free-throws after shooting 63.3 percent from the charity stripe as a rookie, it might be doable. A career 77.0 percent free-throw shooter in college, this is one of his most glaring weaknesses.
What Does The Warriors’ Rotation Look Like?
After a roller coaster offseason, the Warriors’ rotation likely has been set.
Golden State will bring back most of last season’s cast. However, Buddy Hield will replace Warriors legend Klay Thompson, who left the only NBA team that he’s known this offseason. De’Anthony Melton will come in for Chris Paul, who the team waived this offseason. Kyle Anderson will take the place of Dario Saric, possibly opening up minutes for mainstay Kevon Looney.
Podziemski, who Warriors owner Joe Lacob recently touted as an All-Star-caliber player, could be in line for a starting spot.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob on Brandin Podziemski (via @NBCSWarriors):
“We’re really excited. We think we have a future All-Star. We really do.”
The Jazz are seeking Podziemski in any potential trade with the Warriors for Lauri Markkanen. pic.twitter.com/JzZ6DVcVWN
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 18, 2024
Perhaps only Stephen Curry and Draymond Green can be penciled into the first unit. Nonetheless, when assessing the Warriors players who fit best next to Curry in the backcourt, Podziemski ranks high.
He’s more reliable than Wiggins. He’s more of a playmaker than Moses Moody. Lastly, he’s a superior defender to Hield and has better size than Melton.
While Podziemski’s seeming arrogance won’t win over everyone, it doesn’t change the facts. The jury is out on Lacob’s claims. Regardless, the soon-to-be second-year pro has a chance to be one of Golden State’s most impactful players next season.
