He is the player Steve Kerr relied on to replace Klay Thompson in his major five, for the match against the Jazz. He who hadn't started a match on the bench since March 11, 2012. That's not nothing. Brandin Podziemski is however a simple rookie.
The player is not yet 21 years old and is averaging 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 26 minutes. “His ceiling is very high. He's still learning »explains Draymond Green, who imagines his role as successor to Stephen Curry, even if the latter is not yet thinking about retirement.
“It won’t be the same. It will be totally different”, continue inside. “But we are very comfortable when he is on the floor and that says a lot about a rookie on this team. We feel comfortable when he directs operations on the floor. »
Draymond Green got yelled at…
This is a confirmation for the Warriors who chose the fullback, who passed through Illinois and especially Santa Clara, during the last Draft, in 19th position. “There was the belief that he was going to fit into Steve Kerr's system, but more than that,” remembers owner Joe Lacob. “His talent combined with his playing intelligence and his personality were things we could bank on. »
This last point is essential. “He talks all the time, he’s like that”, notes Draymond Green, who can attest to this. Absent at the start of the season, injured in the left ankle, the interior teamed up with Brandin Podziemski during a training match. The first loses an important ball, which causes the defeat.
“You can’t lose a ball!” »says the rookie. “I said, ‘Okay, you’re right, no problem.’”adds Draymond Green. “We play a short match, which allows me to prepare and he shouts at me. That means a lot to me. I agreed and made sure he spoke loud and clear every time. »
Except that a strong personality is not always easy to manage. Besides yelling at team executives, the rookie can sometimes annoy executives, such as when he challenges Klay Thompson during an NBA quiz, and compares his salary with that of the “Splash Brother” for the encourage increasing stakes…
“It’s easier to calm a lion than to make a sheep roar” imageStephen Curry. “What annoys him is also what makes him unique. He is easy to coach. It is the most important. Because we can say lots of things but if we don't agree to be coached, then that's where it becomes counterproductive. »
He's already aiming for the stars
Because Brandin Podziemski is hungry and wants to progress. He tries to imitate Draymond Green in defense for example, observes Gary Payton II, which is risky but remains a good point for his coach. “We only have one player, Draymond, who can attempt shots on defense because if we have two, then the defense will be in difficulty,” analyzes Steve Kerr. “But I’ll take that any day over a player who isn’t concerned. »
And even when he misses his match, he keeps his spirits up in the locker room, like against Spurs at the start of the season, where he finished 0/5 on shots in 12 minutes, not playing the following match.
“I would have stayed hidden in my apartment for three days, wondering if I was ever going to shoot again. But he was the loudest player. I loved. Because a player who is not in it but brings energy and stays the course is a good sign”continues the coach, who has just won his 500th career match.
Brandin Podziemski's ambitions therefore match his state of mind.
“I want to be an All-Star,” he announces bluntly, taking the example of Jonathan Kuminga, who has exploded in recent weeks. “I'm going to use this summer to elevate my game, improve in areas where I'm lacking and make myself as efficient as possible. I think I can do it. I'm not going to stay in a complementary role, especially after my first year. I have a long career ahead of me. »
| Brandin Podziemski | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | GOS | 47 | 26 | 46.4 | 38.5 | 61.0 | 1.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 9.9 |
| Total | 47 | 26 | 46.4 | 38.5 | 61.0 | 1.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 9.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
