The Golden State Warriors are thriving early in the season with a 6-1 record, defying expectations after significant roster changes. Amid trade speculations involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has declared Brandin Podziemski off-limits for trade. Podziemski, a second-year guard, has received assurances from both Dunleavy and team owner Joe Lacob that he is a key part of the franchise's future, despite his current shooting struggles. The Warriors are indicating confidence in his potential as a successor to Steph Curry in the team's long-term plans.
While the Milwaukee Bucks are searching for the light switch in the dark and stuffy Eastern Conference basement, the Golden State Warriors are enjoying their time upstairs with some of the other good teams in the league. The Warriors are 6-1 and playing much better than most expected. Because of Milwaukee’s struggles and some recent trade commentary from Antetokounmpo, his name is being floated in trade rumors. Likely, he won’t be going anywhere. You have to think that at some point in the coming weeks, the Bucks will get it together, right? Nevertheless, trade speculation continues.
One team that has been pulled into the conversation is the Warriors. Apparently, though, if Golden State is looking to make any moves, Giannis-involved or not, Brandin Podziemski is off the table. The second-year shooting guard has proved to be one of the Warriors best draft picks in recent years, and the franchise is unwilling to give him up. According to The Athletic, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Warriors GM, recently let Podziemski know that he has nothing to worry about, saying, ‘A lot of these other teams are calling about you. They want you, but you’re not going anywhere. You’re ours.’ The majority team owner, Joe Lacob, also chimed in.
“He told me, ‘You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re a priority here’.” Podziemski said he heard from Lacob. ” I appreciate that, being a rookie and going into my second year, hearing that from such a prestigious organization. It feels good. I’m wanted somewhere. So, I appreciate them.”
It sounds apparent that Dunleavy and the Warriors intend to have Podziemski around for the long haul. Only in his second year, he’s proving he deserves that notion despite a slow start to the season. Seven games in, he’s struggling with his shot. Going into Golden State’s highly hyped matchup with the Boston Celtics Wednesday night, Podziemski is shooting just 37.8% from the field and 18.2% from three. His career averages tell a different story, though. His 36% career average from three and 44.8% from the field should tell you that he’ll eventually get back there. Of course, his numbers are short-lived, considering he’s only played one full season in the NBA.
Are the Warriors planning on Podziemski taking the starting point guard mantel following Steph Curry’s eventual retirement? Quite possibly—it would seem so, at least. Curry isn’t stepping away just yet, though. If he is to step into those shoes, Podziemski still has a few years of development ahead. If this is Golden State’s plan for him, he’s A) in the perfect franchise development situation and B) learning from the perfect example in Curry. In the meantime, it must feel nice knowing that in the eyes of Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., Podziemski’s place with the team is sealed for now.
In his second year with GSW, the player possesses skill sets that could be advantageous for the Warriors in the future. Despite averaging 9.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and .360% from the three-point line, the franchise believes he can come good. Concerning his rebounding, only certain shooting guards can grab the boards like him. It often gives value to the Golden State Warriors with a glass-eater on their team.
The player also started games over Andrew Wiggins, showing Steve Kerr’s preference for the former Santa Clara University player. Similar to Thompson, he defends well in the perimeter, intercepts passes, and off-the-ball movement could reach the next level. He would surely need to match the Warriors’ 3-point shooting we know them for. It’s in their DNA.
Brandin Podziemski is here to stay. You better believe it!
The Golden State Warriors' Future is Bright with Brandin Podziemski
The Golden State Warriors' commitment to Podziemski signals confidence in his long-term potential, emphasizing their focus on youth development and future success as they navigate this competitive season. The Warriors' management is likely to focus on developing him for a larger responsibility, particularly as Curry's retirement approaches.
Podziemski: The Next Steph Curry?
As the season progresses, Podziemski's performance will be closely monitored to see if he can enhance his shooting numbers and solidify his role in the team. Despite the trade rumors swirling around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Warriors are confident in their young guard and are not looking to deal him away. While some fans may be disappointed by the lack of a blockbuster trade, the Warriors' focus on building a strong future with Podziemski is a wise move. It remains to be seen whether he can truly reach the heights of Steph Curry, but the Warriors have shown they believe in his potential.
