Let’s jump on the Brandin Podziemski bandwagon before it’s too late: don’t be surprised if he becomes the second scorer the Golden State Warriors are looking for next season.
Steve Kerr and Mike Dunleavy have high expectations for Podziemski. Despite skepticism after the Draft, Brandin quickly secured a spot in the Warriors’ rotation, and by the first half of the season, he had replaced two veterans like Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins in the starting lineup.
He immediately stood out for his ability to fit into the team’s system. He had the highest +/- and was the glue in the lineups designed by Coach Kerr: averaging 26.6 minutes last season, he put up interesting numbers.
9.2 points in 74 games, 28 as a starter. There is much more he can offer, as the Warriors universe is making clear: Joe Lacob – the team’s owner – declined trade offers during negotiations for Paul George and Lauri Markkanen. Steve Kerr will demand more responsibilities from him. Looking ahead, the GSW coach envisions a Curry-like role for Podziemski: plenty of three-pointers, coming off screens or from a standstill.
With this in mind, his checklist for the 2024/25 NBA season includes “taking at least 8-10 three-pointers.” Only 10 players in the entire NBA did that last year: Curry (11.8), Doncic (10.6), Thompson and Mitchell (9.0), Simons (8.8), DiVincenzo (8.7), Trae (8.7), Bane (8.6), Lillard (8.5).
I think I can reach that number. The reason they told me this is because last year I watched a lot of my own videos after games. The reason is always the same: I missed three-point opportunities. If you think about it, there are at least five to seven shots per game that I could have taken.
Brandin Podzmienski via The Athletic
The development the Warriors expect from the 19th pick in the 2023 Draft is ambitious, considering Podziemski averaged 3.2 three-point attempts last season, hitting 38.5%. With Thompson and Paul gone, this will help him not only gain more minutes but also manage the game and finish.
If his percentages and points increase, Podziemski has what it takes to become an All-Star. He has room for improvement on offense and has shown remarkable all-around potential. It’s a luxury for an NBA team to have a guard who grabs 6 rebounds per game and leads the league in charges drawn (0.51). If the growth of the 2003-born guard meets expectations, the Warriors will have found not only the second option to pair with Steph Curry but also his heir.
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Author: Team Dunkest
August 30, 2024 | 2:15 am
