The Golden State Warriors had a very interesting offseason due to the Jonathan Kuminga saga that finally ended on Tuesday. Incoming third year guard Brandin Podziemski tuned out all the noise and shared his goals for the season. He underwent two surgeries this past summer to repair injuries that hampered him in the playoffs.
Speaking to reporters on the Warriors’ media day last Monday, Podziemski was asked about his recovery and overall offseason progression. He has been cleared to return and is focused on improving himself after a lackluster postseason.
“I think I looked at everything from the regular season, from the playoffs, things I need to work on. Bunch of things were accounted for this summer. … Teams are more focused on you than the regular season, but I think the takeaway from it is you really get to see what you really need to work on and what’s exposed to your game. And so, 12 games for me last year was really beneficial for this summer,” Podziemski said.
Podziemski also thought that he’ll have an easier time adjusting to playing with Steph Curry. He averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season. He had a fluctuating role as a starter and coming off the bench.
The 22-year-old guard had identical numbers in the playoffs, putting up 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. However, his shooting went from 44.5% in the regular season to just 36.4% in the postseason.
Warriors’ Coach Steve Kerr’s expectations of Brandin Podziemski
ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk reported back in June that Brandin Podziemski underwent two surgeries in the offseason. Podziemski first had left wrist debridement surgery on May 27, followed by a procedure to repair a core muscle injury two weeks later.
The Santa Clara product missed 18 games in the regular season, including 12 games due to a right abdominal injury before the end of 2024. He was cleared to return two weeks before training camp, so he’ll be good to go this upcoming season.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has high hopes for Podziemski in his third season. Kerr told the media at Tuesday’s training camp that he’s expecting the lefty guard to grow from his experiences in the playoffs last season.
“I think this is a year where he takes another step. To be able to get through that crucible where you’re in the starting lineup, you’re in the playoffs, spotlight’s on you, you have a few bad shooting nights. Every player goes through that. He’s a tough guy and a tough player. I just think that he’s on a very natural progression to continue his improvement,” Kerr said.
Kerr also made quite a stir when he revealed that he doesn’t plan on negotiating a new contract with the Warriors during the season. He’s on the final year of his deal and could be free to sign with any other team next summer.
Warriors Finally Ends Jonathan Kuminga Saga
After a stalemate of nearly two months, the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga reached a deal on Tuesday. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kuminga is expected to sign a two-year, $48.5 million contract, with a team option for next season.
Kuminga is also waiving his inherent no-trade clause, which could allow the Warriors to trade him by January 15. The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns were previously linked to him in the offseason.
The deal will also allow the Warriors to sign Al Horford, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton. Seth Curry is expected to get waived and re-signed in November, when Golden State have enough cap flexibility.
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