After Wild NBA Career, Podziemski Imparts Inspirational Message
The road that has brought NBA standout Brandin Podziemski to prominence has not been without its detours.
This is uncharacteristic of a rookie in Golden State’s system since the 20-year-old guard is starting for a Warriors squad that still has the dynamic three of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
When Podziemski was chosen with the No. 19 choice in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, there was some early skepticism about the selection and uncertainty about what type of role, if any, he would play this season. However, it was evident that he had promise.
The Santa Clara University graduate wrote about his wild path to a featured role with the Warriors in a piece that was published on X, the original name of Twitter, on Sunday.
Unable to break through into head coach Steve Kerr‘s rotation, Podziemski started the 2023–24 NBA season on the bench. When he did, however, see the floor, he ignited the crowd instantly, and it became apparent that the Warriors needed to find a regular position for the tough youngster.
This season, in 23 games (six starts), Podziemsk is averaging 8.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 38.6 percent from three-point range and 45.9 percent from the field.
When the Milwaukee Bucks took on the Los Angeles Clippers on December 14, Podziemski took Andrew Wiggins’ position in the starting lineup and has looked great ever since.
The ageing Warriors squad has been waiting for the ideal infusion of youth for a number of years, and both Podziemski and fellow rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis have given it a fresh jolt. And if those struggles hadn’t occurred throughout the years, Podziemski would not have had the same advantage that allowed him to secure a significant position on a team capable of winning a title.
