Brandin Podziemski Aims To Become Household Name, Long-term Leader For Warriors

Brandin Podziemski aims to become household name, long-term leader for Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Brandin Podziemski is entering his third NBA season determined to make an even bigger impact for the Warriors.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke on “Dubs Talk,” the 22-year-old guard reflected on his growth and how he is preparing to take another step forward — potentially into a full-time starting role.

“Yeah, I think so,” Podziemski said when asked if he’s making a case to start. “I think selfishly, everybody wants to be a starter, but it comes down to what’s best for the team at that moment and in that game, so I think I work and prepare and do those things in the summer to showcase that I am a starter and that I belong and that I can be a household name for the Warriors, and that’s always my goal and what I look forward to. But like I said, the team comes first. Whatever Steve [Kerr] and the team thinks is best is what we do and that’s what I’ve been ok with.”

Podziemski appeared in 64 regular-season games last season, starting 33 of them, and averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from 3-point range. He also started 10 of 11 playoff games despite playing through an injury, showing poise well beyond his years.

The 2023 first-round draft pick knows earning that starting spot means complementing the Warriors’ biggest star: Steph Curry. Playing alongside the 16-year veteran requires constant motion and chemistry — two things Podziemski believes he steadily has mastered.

“I think a lot of people make it a lot more complicated than it is,” Podziemski said about learning to play with Curry. “It’s a unique thing, he is a unique player that kind of runs around the floor, so it’s a little bit unique, but once you get the hang of it, like anything, the more you do something the easier it becomes, so I think I’ve developed a great connection with him, with Jimmy [Butler], with Draymond [Green], so I think I fit perfectly for that spot next to him.”

Podziemski spent his first two seasons learning from Curry and Green, players whose leadership defines the franchise. He even hopes to one day help carry that torch when they retire — though for now, he’s content to learn from the ones still holding it.

“Obviously, like I said, it comes down to whatever they think too, so I’m just ready for whatever is presented and given my way,” Podziemski added.

That mindset — trusting the process and staying ready for whatever’s presented — has defined Podziemski’s rise so far, and it might just carry him into a permanent role.

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