In three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Brandin Podziemski has been a part of coach Steve Kerr’s rotations. Podziemski has also been in and out of the starting lineup, especially this season when the Warriors have a lot of guards on the roster.
Speaking to the media after Golden State’s practice on Wednesday, Podziemski was asked about earning minutes under Kerr this season. He wasn’t worried about competing for playing time because it’s good for the team’s success and chemistry.
“I think it brings the best out of people,” Podziemski said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think it’s going to bring out the best of all (nine) of us… Steve’s going to play who he plays. But I think having competition and not being complacent, it’s a good thing for our team.”
Steph Curry doesn’t have to worry about his place in the rotation because he’s still the focal point of the Warriors’ offense. Podziemski, on the other hand, has to compete against Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Will Richard, Moses Moody, Pat Spencer, Seth Curry, LJ Cryer and Gary Payton II.
Podziemski Played Well After Kerr’s Callout
Before the Golden State Warriors faced the Chicago Bulls on December 7, Steve Kerr delivered a blunt message to Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, as reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Kerr advised Podziemski to let the game come to him and not hold on to the ball for too long.
The third-year guard listened and played really well against the Bulls. He finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals off the bench. He went 7-for-13 from the field and knocked down five 3-point shots, as the Warriors earned the easy 123-91 win.
Podziemski didn’t take advantage of Steph Curry’s absence to cement himself as a potential starter moving forward. He was outplayed by Pat Spencer, who is averaging 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals in his last four games. Spencer has a 59/75/100 shooting split during that stretch.
With Curry returning to the lineup for the Warriors’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, Podziemski will need to show his coach that he deserves to keep his minutes in the rotation.
Will the Warriors Trade Podziemski?
After the rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo possibly forcing his way out of the Milwaukee Bucks became rampant, the Golden State Warriors have been named as one of his potential destinations. The Warriors have a combination of salary fillers, young prospects and future picks to entice the Bucks.
One of those prospects is Brandin Podziemski, who had a hefty goal in the offseason, telling reporters he would want to be better than Steph Curry. His confidence was a welcome sight, but it wasn’t popular among Warriors’ fans.
Nick San Miguel of FanSided’s Blue Man Hoop even floated around the idea of trading Podziemski to the Bucks in exchange for former Warriors guard Ryan Rollins.
However, Rollins’ value is at an all-time high since he’s averaging 17.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game this season. He’s also among the candidates to win the Most Improved Player of the Year award this season.
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