During a discussion with The Athletic, the Warriors center provided a glimpse into the competitive mindset of the 20-year-old. Reflecting on the earlier scrimmages during the mini-camps, the 28-year-old highlighted the ultra-ambitious nature of the point guard. Following that, Looney shared his views on the 6ft 4″ youngster’s declaration to average triple-doubles, stating, “That’s pretty bold”.

Yet, the desire of the 2023 draft pick failed to surprise the 3x champion as he revealed the underlying reason behind it. “I know most Wisconsin guards have that crazy confidence to them. [Jordan] Poole. Tyler Herro. He has got a delusion to him that makes him good,” the 6ft 9″ star proclaimed.

“He’s got a delusion to him that makes him good.”- Loon on Podz pic.twitter.com/fAgfGx8e2q

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

The interaction captured the Warriors center’s faith in the rising talent while simultaneously respecting his gameplay. Being from Wisconsin, Looney has come across several such backcourt facilitators throughout his journey. That’s why, the fearless approach could not shock the 2015 draft pick. Rather the latter only further validated it by drawing its parallels with his contemporaries.

The confidence of Brandin Podziemski has started paying its dividends

During the pre-season, the newcomer defeated two NBA icons in the form of Stephen Curry and Chris Paul in a King of the Court contest. The Warriors rookie took things up by a notch as he taunted the veterans throughout the process. In fact, soon after securing the triumph, “He did the Tiger (Woods) fist-pump,” as per CP3 to assert dominance.

Brandin Podziemski is a winner through and through pic.twitter.com/clxupSOosm

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

Alongside the guards, Podz has built a unique rapport with the team’s forward, Draymond Green. His repeated mocking threats towards the 4x champion had already been subjected to warnings. Yet, the courageous displays sustained as the Wisconsin-born made fun of the 33-year-old by sharing the latter’s old photos. “I still gotta popcorn his car,” the 6ft 6″ star eventually declared to respond to the callouts.

pic.twitter.com/xIS21QRKPT

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Amidst the expressive nature, the meticulous and methodical approach of the youngster has received praise from his seniors. It has already resulted in six double-doubles this season, the most by a Warriors player this season. Because of this, the 20-year-old has maintained his position in the top 5 of the rookie rankings as the franchise remains hopeful of his progress in the coming seasons.

The post “Most Wisconsin Guards Have That Crazy Confidence”: Brandin Podziemski’s ‘Boldness’ Left Warriors Vet in Awe appeared first on The SportsRush.

Podziemski isn’t apprehensive about challenging the Warriors’ superstars despite being a rookie. A report by The Athletic revealed that the rookie guard arranged a quiz competition that involved money. Thompson was hesitant to participate, which prompted Podziemski to remind him that he was participating in the quiz despite earning $4.05 million a year, $39.86 Million less than Klay’s salary for the 2023-24 season.

The rookie’s jibe did not sit well with the four-time NBA champion, who told him to stop “pocket-watching.”

pic.twitter.com/DbAiFWKleJ

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Podziemski’s lack of fear in calling out Thompson for refusing to participate in the quiz despite the $39.86 million difference in their salaries showcases his mentality. He believed in his ability to win the quiz, despite money being at stake, and wasn’t willing to take no for an answer from the 34-year-old.

Podziemski’s confidence is commendable and indicates why the Warriors trust him to close games despite his rookie status.

Brandin Podziemski is not afraid to call out Draymond Green

Draymond Green has been the vocal and emotional leader of the Warriors since his sophomore season. The veteran forward has gotten into a public spat with teammates and is often the first to call them out if he spots them lacking on the court. While most rookies only listen to what Green says, Podziemski isn’t afraid to call out the veteran forward and give him a taste of his medicine.

Before the Warriors’ second game of the season, the team had set up a scrimmage between the starters and the rotation players. Green and Podziemski were on the same team and lost the game after the veteran turned the ball over. The rookie immediately criticized the veteran and left him astonished. However, Green took it in stride, saying,

“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem. Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.’”

Podz getting at Dray over a turnover during scrimmage

Via @anthonyVslater

Link: https://t.co/rl1RDS11IU pic.twitter.com/a3XrGr8qyx

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

The Warriors are encouraging Podziemski’s leadership and are benefitting from it. The team has a history of turning guards into superstars, and he could be the latest to join the ranks of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole in leading the franchise to glory.

The post Despite Earning More Than Brandin Podziemski, Klay Thompson Hit Warriors Rookie With ‘Pocket Watching’ Claim appeared first on The SportsRush.

What is Brandin Podziemski’s height and wingspan?

The Golden State Warriors listed Brandin Podziemski at 6ft 4”. However, during the 2023 NBA Draft combine, Podziemski measured 6ft 3.75” barefoot with a 6ft 5.5” wingspan.

How much does Brandin Podziemski weigh?

Even though Brandin Podziemski measured 203.8 lbs during the 2023 NBA Draft Combine, the Golden State Warriors have listed the rookie guard at 205 lbs. Despite being one of the lighter players on the squad, Podz doesn’t think twice before putting his body on the line on every single possession.

Brandin Podziemski’s Age

Brandon Podziemski was born on February 25, 2003. He is 20 years old and is the youngest player on the Golden State Warriors. Podziemski is 270 days younger than the second-youngest player on the GSW squad Moses Moody.

Brandin Podziemski Salary

With the virtue of being the 19^th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Brandin Podziemski was signed to a four-year, $16,239,819 contract with the Golden State Warriors. Even though he’s set to earn an average salary of $4,059,955, Podziemski is earning $3,352,440 during his rookie season.

Brandin Podziemski College Stats

Before representing the Golden State Warriors, Brandin Podziemski spent his college years as a member of the Illinois Fighting Illini for the 2021-2022 season and the Santa Clara Broncos for the 2022-2023 season.

During the 2021-2022 season, Podziemski was not even in the rotation for the Illinois side. Playing only 4.3 minutes per game, he averaged only 1.4 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game.

Podz spent his sophomore season for the Broncos and had a breakout campaign. Starting all 32 games of the season, the guard averaged a staggering 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

Brandin Podziemski height

Brandin Podziemski stands at 6ft 4”. Despite being the fourth shortest player on the roster, Podziemski is averaging the third most rebounds per game (5.8), trailing only Draymond Green and Kevon Looney.

The post Brandin Podziemski Wingspan and Other FAQs About Warriors Rookie Sensation appeared first on The SportsRush.

In The Athletic’s recent feature on Brandin Podziemski, Anthony Slater narrated several stories from the youngster’s rookie campaign. As detailed by Slater, the 6ft 5” guard proved his worth during the preseason camp by defeating two of the greatest point guards of all time – Stephen Curry and Chris Paul – ever in a “King of the Court” style one-on-one contest.

Slater detailed how Podziemski was also chirping at the two future Hall-Of-Famers. While CP3 remembered the Tiger Woods-style fist-pump that the 20-year-old did, Steph recollected how the latter was not afraid to taunt the veterans. Anthony Slater wrote:

The rookie was giving it to two of the greatest to ever do it at the point guard position and alerting anyone within earshot of the damage.

“He did the Tiger (Woods) fist-pump,” Paul said, shaking his head.

“‘Let’s f—g go!’” Curry remembers him taunting. “That was hilarious.”

Brandin Podziemski is a winner through and through pic.twitter.com/clxupSOosm

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

Despite being the youngest player on the Golden State Warriors roster, the Southpaw plays with a tremendous amount of courage, putting his body on the line on every single play. Having a fearless mentality and not being afraid to call out his teammates is something that the Warriors have appreciated and benefitted from massively this season. ‘Podz’ is now a key member of the Warriors’ rotation, and is even started by head coach Steve Kerr on occasion. And it’s hard not to give credit to his unyielding confidence for the same.

Brandin Podziemski called out Draymond Green for a turnover

Draymond Green is the leader of the Golden State Warriors, who often gives his piece of mind to players when he feels fit. However, Green was on the receiving end when Brandin Podziemski was frustrated with the defensive specialist’s costly turnover.

During a scrimmage, Podz’s side lost a game due to Dray’s mistake. Despite being a rookie, the combo guard decided to speak up and call the four-time champ out.

“We can’t have a turnover for game!” Podziemski told Green. “You cannot turn the ball over for game.”

Since taking on the leadership role for the Bay Area side, Green hasn’t had any player, let alone a rookie, address him that way. However, the four-time All-Star wasn’t hurt. Instead, he appreciated Brandin and asked him to speak up “all the time”.

“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem,’” Green said. “Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.’”

Podz getting at Dray over a turnover during scrimmage

Via @anthonyVslater

Link: https://t.co/rl1RDS11IU pic.twitter.com/a3XrGr8qyx

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Brandin Podziemski has proven to be a crucial player for Steve Kerr. After taking a few months to find his rhythm, averaging 6 points, 2.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds in October and November, Kerr increased the youngster’s minutes from December onwards.

He’s even started 14 games this season and has been an asset on both ends of the floor. For the season, he’s averaging a staggering 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Even after Chris Paul makes his return to the lineup from injury, Podz gives the Warriors the luxury of having three playmaking guards on the roster.

Brandin Podziemski will play a crucial role in the remainder of the season as the Warriors make a playoff push.

The post “Did the Tiger Woods Fist Pump!”: Chris Paul and Stephen Curry Recall Rookie Brandin Podziemski Beating Them in ‘King of the Court’ appeared first on The SportsRush.

The youngster has continued his impressive run of form as he registered his 4th double-double of the campaign. Coming off the bench in Tennessee, Podziemski scored 12 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds in 34 minutes against the arch-conference rivals. In the process, the 6ft 4″ guard set the record for most assists by a Warriors rookie since Curry in February 2010.

14.

Brandin Podziemski has the most assists by a Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry. pic.twitter.com/QfhSdNK7VK

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 3, 2024

Upon matching the 2x MVP for this remarkable feat, the Wisconsin-born reflected on his camaraderie with the All-Star guard.

“He has been my mentor all along,” Podziemski highlighted before adding, “I look up to him in every way. How he carries himself, how he is a husband, father figure and it is inspiration to a lot of people around the world just because of the game of basketball and how good of a person he is”.

Following this, the shooting guard shed light on his ambition as it circled around the 35-year-old.

“I kinda wanna follow in those footsteps and be just as good,” he mentioned, shedding light on the influence of the 4x champion on his career.

Podz details his special bond with Steph

Warriors Postgame Live is airing now on NBC Sports Bay Area and streaming here: https://t.co/eM7v86Gdal pic.twitter.com/TPcqnlN12t

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 3, 2024

This set benchmark has worked in favour of Podziemski as he is registering an impressive stat line as a rookie. The NBA acknowledged his efforts of 9.3 points per game, 3.5 assists per game, and 5.5 rebounds per game by selecting him for the Rising Stars game. With his aspirations remaining sky-high, the development of the youngster under Curry has now become a key area of interest.

The admiration of Stephen Curry for Brandin Podziemski

Recently, the rookie compared his gameplay to his seasoned teammate Draymond Green citing his prowess as a facilitator. Upon listening to the parallels, the 2022 Finals MVP seemingly felt proud of the mindset of the NBA youngster. “I love it. I love that guy so much,” the 6ft 2″ guard mentioned before congratulating him for the Rising Stars game selection.

Steph couldn’t believe who Podz compared his game to pic.twitter.com/PDYgdcFbBe

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 31, 2024

This added further volume to the rising popularity of the young Warriors guard. His incremental advancements in the Rookie of the Year rankings also serve as an example of it. Despite being the 19th pick in the NBA draft, Podziemski currently ranks 6th on the list of contenders for the award.

So, his overall development has instilled faith in the Dubs fans as they await their next generation of stars. Considering the recent signs, the 20-year-old could become a leading name in that regard as he has fit the culture exemplarily. Thus, the Bay Area remains hopeful of its chances of a restoration to its past glory.

The post “Wanna Follow In Those Footsteps”: Stephen Curry Gets ‘Father Figure’ Tag From Rookie Brandin Podziemski After Record Performance appeared first on The SportsRush.

After the game, Podziemski sat down with the media for a post-game press conference. Despite the loss, Podziemski was happy to play in Milwaukee and was even happier to see his seventh-grade English teacher in attendance. While talking to the reporters, Podziemski said the following as per NBCS.

“Ran into my seventh-grade English teacher pre-game. Haven’t seen her in a while but yeah, had a lot of people here. A lot of people that I met along my journey which has been cool for me.” Podziemski also went on to add, “She’s glad I went to Military school otherwise I would’ve been a troublemaker.”

Podz saw his seventh grade English teacher at the game, and she told him she’s glad he went to military school or else he’d be a “trouble maker” pic.twitter.com/X2BW6GPh3s

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 14, 2024

Growing up, Podziemski must’ve been quite a handful for his English teacher to say that. Had he not attended a military school, Podziemski might not have found his calling to be a professional basketball player. But going to a military academy sure did wonders for the Santa Clara product given how he is in the NBA now, playing for the Golden State Warriors.

Brandin Podziemski went to St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy while growing up in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Podiemski did not play in the varsity team his freshman year but was named first-team All-State during his sophomore year after averaging 22.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

Since then, Podziemski’s point production only went up as he averaged 27.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while making first-team All-State once again as a junior. He was also named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball after averaging 35.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 steals per game as a senior.

As for the game, with both Stephen Curry and Chris Paul unavailable to play against Milwaukee, Brandin Podziemski stepped up to the plate. Podziemski took the role of running the ball and not only did it stupendously but also finished the game with a double-double.

Podziemski finished the game playing 36 minutes, pouring in 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks while shooting an incredible 71.4% from the field and 60% from the three. Even though Podziemski did not play the role of a traditional pass-first point guard, he did have an excellent game nonetheless.

How Brandin Podziemski and his coach felt about his first game as a starter

This was Brandin Podziemski’s first game playing in front of his hometown as the Milwaukee Bucks hosted the Golden State Warriors. Determined to give it his best, this is what Podziemski had to say about playing in front of his family and friends.

“Fun. Obviously, we didn’t get the W which is most important but being back home in front of, in an environment that I’ve been around before and a lot of people that I know is definitely a surreal moment for me.”

Podz calls it a “surreal” moment to play in his hometown in front of family and friends pic.twitter.com/GIDuJr8pX3

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 14, 2024

Despite the loss, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr too had high words for his rookie. While talking to the media, Kerr said, “Brandin was fantastic, yeah. Without Steph, we obviously needed his offense and he came through in a big way. He’s a really crafty player and knows how to get to the rim. He’s got that eurostep, he just has a feel and a knack. He had 10 rebounds I think. It’s one of the things we love about him. He just seems to be a step ahead of the play all the time.”

“That’s what we love about him. He seems to be a step ahead of the play every time.”

Kerr praises the way Podz filled in for Steph pic.twitter.com/VOOSb4vLLi

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 14, 2024

So, even though Brandin did not facilitate the ball enough, his scoring was what was needed of him and Podziemski surely did provide in the absence of the team’s All-Star point guards. With this 23-point game, Podziemski tied his season and career-high in points.

Hopefully, Steve Kerr goes on to utilize Podziemski more in the future, giving him more minutes and maybe shifting him to the team’s starting five occasionally.

The post “Glad You Went to Military School”: Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski Reflects on First NBA Game Back Home at Milwaukee appeared first on The SportsRush.

Keyonte George (UTA), Scoot Henderson (POR), Dereck Lively II (DAL), Victor Wembanyama (SAS), Bilal Coulibaly (WAS), Brandon Miller (CHA) and Craig Porter Jr. (CLE) all received consideration for Rookie of the Month honors. https://t.co/hBzaD0xzHq

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) January 4, 2024

Podziemski reacted to the snub with a stellar outing against the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets. He scored 13 points, dished five assists, and grabbed two rebounds while shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Despite his heroics, the Warriors succumbed to a gut-wrenching 130-127 loss.

Podziemski had an impressive December averaging 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists. He delivered an outstanding performance against the Phoenix Suns on the road, scoring 20 points, grabbing a career-high 11 rebounds, and dishing five assists in the Warriors’ narrow 119-116 loss. Podziemski recorded his second double-double of the month against the Portland Trail Blazers in the Warriors’ 126-106 win. Some fans expressed their disbelief about Podziemski missing out on a nomination.

No Brandin Podziemski???

— Dr. Nirav Pandya, M.D. (@DrNiravPandya) January 5, 2024

While Holmgren was unsurprisingly named the Rookie of the Month for December, Podziemski not being among the nominees was surprising. He reacted positively to the snub, posting a single emoji:

https://t.co/pyl7ky0Fiz

— Brandin Podziemski (@brandinpodziem2) January 4, 2024

Podziemski’s response speaks volumes about his attitude. Despite being snubbed, he did not vent and suggested he had it noted down. If he continues to deliver impactful performances, as he did against the Nuggets, he could not only be in consideration but potentially win the Rookie of the Month award.

Brandin Podziemski: Warriors’ silver lining this season

The Warriors’ season has been an unmitigated disaster. Klay Thompson‘s horrendous form and Draymond Green‘s violent behaviour have had a severe effect, and they see themselves currently placed 10th in the Western Conference standings. However, rookie Brandin Podziemski has been a silver lining. He has averaged 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this season.

Podziemski has been a livewire off the bench. The shooting guard has a Swiss Army knife role for the Warriors and does a little bit of everything for the team. He’s had two 20-point outings this season, and two double-doubles off the bench.

Podziemski has started only eight games for the Warriors. However, the team is 5-3 in those games and 11-15 in games he hasn’t started or played in. He had arguably his best game of the season against the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 19 points, grabbing five rebounds, dishing five assists, and recording three steals in the Warriors’ 124-120 win.

Podziemski’s impact this season is reminiscent of Jordan Poole‘s rookie season during the 2019-20 NBA campaign. The former Warriors had an impactful year off the bench before blossoming into one of the team’s most important players. He played a massive role in helping the Warriors win the 2021-22 NBA championship. The Warriors will hope that Podziemski continues making an impact this season and blossoms into a star soon.

The post After Rookie of the Month Consideration Snub, Brandin Podziemski Drops 13 Against Nikola Jokic and Defending Champions Nuggets appeared first on The SportsRush.

Alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevon Looney, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski were given the start. According to Steve Kerr, the addition of Podz helps the lineup gain an additional playmaker.

“Felt like we needed a shift. I feel like Brandin [Podziemski] gives us the extra playmaker on the floor in the starting lineup. Obviously, he’s a great rebounder, competes, excellent defender,” Kerr claimed.

As for JK, with Draymond Green out, the youngster has a golden opportunity to capitalize on the minutes he’s receiving.

“JK deserves the minutes. With Draymond out it’s a perfect time for him to step in,” Kerr stated.

Steve Kerr said he will continue to start Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski and bring Andrew Wiggins off the bench. Here he is discussing the new rotation. pic.twitter.com/xzSndmghc8

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 15, 2023

Even Dub Nation was surprised to see Andrew Wiggins be demoted to the bench in place of Klay Thompson. While Wiggs hasn’t been playing up to his standards, his efforts on the defensive end have made him more valuable than Thompson.

However, allowing Klay to start turned out to be a great decision. The sharpshooter recorded his highest-scoring performance of the season with 30 points and was extremely efficient, shooting at a 60/66.7/100 split. Unfortunately, the Warriors were unable to capitalize on Thompson’s performance, suffering a 113-121 loss.

Steve Kerr and Co. suffer third straight loss

Klay Thompson also gave his two cents on the Warriors’ starting lineup. Agreeing with Steve Kerr’s decision to start Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, Thompson explained how the two youngsters were performing well. At the same time, the four-time champ spoke about Andrew Wiggins being demoted to the bench.

“Brandin has been playing amazing. So is JK and I feel for Wiggs. I know how competitive he is. It’s not the end of the world for him. I’m sure he’ll be back in there before the year’s over,” Thompson revealed.

The Golden State Warriors have become a team that fails to close out games. In the past five losses that the Warriors have suffered, the average points differential has been merely 3 points. Currently on a three-game losing skid, the Bay Area side has fallen to the 11^th spot in the West with a 10-14 record.

Going up the Brooklyn Nets and the Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors should be on a two-game win streak before hosting the Boston Celtics on 19^th December.

The post “Jonathan Kuminga Deserves the Minutes!”: Steve Kerr Discusses Starting Lineup Changes, Uses Draymond Green’s Absence to Reward Young Warriors Star appeared first on The SportsRush.

After his heroics on the court against the Timberwolves, fans were curious about a noticeable cut near the Warriors rookie’s left eye. Podziemski incurred the cut close to his eye during his G-League game against the Stockton Kings on the 11th of November. The 20-year-old recorded 24 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Santa Cruz Warriors to a 125-115 victory in their G-League season opener.

According to a tweet from the Dubs’ official subreddit, Podz left the game after incurring an eye injury. “Brandin Podziemski down on the court, gets up with help and walks off. Bleeding from his left face/eye area. Definitely got his bell rung,” the X-post read.

Brandin Podziemski is already back at Chase Center, cut left eye and all pic.twitter.com/coqmKdjarP

— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) November 11, 2023

Later on, Warriors beat reporter Dalton Johnson reported that the rookie is already back in an empty Chase Center to get some shots up. “Brandin Podziemski is already back at Chase Center, cut left eye and all,” Johnson wrote on his X post, which also featured a selfie from Podziemski with a visible cut by the side of his left eye.

Brandin Podziemski has been a good pick for the Warriors

The Dubs selected Podziemski as the 19th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Since then, the rookie has been nothing short of impressive. Not only has he shown up on the court during games, but his team-centered mindset and willingness to learn have impressed the Warriors’ coaching staff.

In fact, Warriors’ Head Coach Steve Kerr was so impressed by the youngster’s performance that he promised him minutes from now on. However, Podziemski will have to take a back seat with Stephen Curry returning to the squad after a two-game hiatus due to knee soreness.

“He’s a damn good player, so he’s going to play.”

Kerr is ready to give Podziemski more run pic.twitter.com/rzbaJs0DvL

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2023

The Warriors are currently undergoing a rough patch, having lost a few games in a row in Curry’s absence. They are currently 10th on the Western Conference table with a record of 6-8. Podziemski will be keen on helping out the Dubs core in their attempt to make the playoffs in a stacked Western Conference.

The post Brandin Podziemski Eye Injury: When Did the Warriors Rookie Get the ‘Nasty’ Cut Near His Left Eye? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Brandin’s performance was a wildly entertaining one. The youngster used various ways as he went on a scoring outburst. But, it was his floater game being as strong as it was, that impressed everyone. 

Prior to the GSW’s recent clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder, NBCS reporters asked ‘Podz’ to comment on his own floater game. The 20-year-old revealed that the same move that he used extensively was inspired by two legendary undersized guards – Manu Ginobili and Stephen Curry.

Question: “Who might have inspired that (floater game) and how has it really improved?”

Podziemski: “Yeah, I think it’s been a combination of Manu Ginobili and Steph (Curry) really. Just not being the best vertical athlete there is, finding ways to keep it simple for myself and score points.” 

Brandin Podziemski draws inspiration from Steph Curry and Manu Ginóbili in this part of his game pic.twitter.com/ER8OtuBixp

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 17, 2023

The 19th pick of the 2023 Draft is a scrawny 6ft 4” guard. Hence, he needs to find innovative ways to finish over tough defense in order to score points. Adding it as a major tool in his arsenal, Podz seems to have mastered the art of knocking down floaters.  

It’s pretty safe to say that Dub Nation is going to be treated to many more high-arching runners during Podz’s stint as a Warrior.

Brandin Podziemski is ready to do whatever Coach Kerr asks him to do

The 23-point performance against the Timberwolves put Brandin Podziemski on the map. With the Warriors playing without their All-Star trio of Steph Curry, Thompson, and Green, the Bay Area side wasn’t the favorites to win the battle. However, Podz’s heroics was one of the most impressive takeaways for Steve Kerr and Co.

Following the contest, the rookie chose to speak about his role on the championship-contending Warriors. Referring to himself as a “spare tire”, the youngster claimed that he was ready to do whatever Coach Kerr asked of him.

“Yeah, I look at myself as like a spare tire. You know, whenever something is wrong with the tire, I just go ahead and fix it. Whatever coach asks me, that’s kinda what I have to do. I am not gonna say that I have a particular role but just whatever coach asks me whether starting, coming off the bench or not playing, I will be ready for all three.”

Despite the 3-point loss, the likes of Coach Kerr and Chris Paul were impressed with what Brandin had to offer. The two lauded the rookie in the postgame conference.

“He’s a damn good player, so he’s going to play.”

Kerr is ready to give Podziemski more run pic.twitter.com/rzbaJs0DvL

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2023

CP3 says what Podz and TJD are doing this early in their career isn’t “regular” for rookies pic.twitter.com/iDonMaRCbM

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2023

If Brandin continues to put up such performances, there is no doubt that we will see a lot more of him become a regular in the team’s rotation for the remainder of the campaign. 

The post “Combination of Manu Ginobili and Stephen Curry”: Warriors Rookie Brandin Podziemski Names Inspiration Behind Key Offensive Weapon appeared first on The SportsRush.