Brandin Podziemski has quickly established himself within the Golden State Warriors rotation. The 20-year-old has already played in 47 games, averaging 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 46.4% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range. He has also been part of Steve Kerr‘s starting lineup on 14 occasions.
Podziemski’s future looks bright. He’s already earning praise from his championship-winning veteran teammates. He’s impressed with how he reads the game and can control the glass as a guard. Yet, all of the momentum he’s acquired didn’t stop him from having a “welcome to the NBA” moment when facing Kawhi Leonard for the first time.
“November 30th, we played the Clippers at home, and I got a foul called on Kawhi Leonard,” Podziemski said during his media availability at All-Star weekend. “I didn’t touch him. Then we reviewed it. We won the challenge. But just to see what kind of calls NBA superstars get, besides Steph.”
Podziemski still has a lot to experience in the NBA. The intensity of the game will ramp up over the final months of the regular season, which will be new for him. Then, the post-season begins, and with it comes a different style of basketball along with enormous pressure.
"Seeing what type of calls NBA superstars get, besides Steph"
Podz on his welcome to the league moment pic.twitter.com/YqVqXtZZRA
— terry🥂 (@terryworst) February 18, 2024
With so much basketball left to be played, Podziemski will likely have more experiences like he did against Kawhi. It’s all part of the learning process. Nevertheless, he’s been a vital part of Golden State’s rotation this season, and his future in the league looks bright.
