Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski has already proved his value on the squad, recently being promoted into the starting lineup ahead of legend Klay Thompson. Brandin's growth has been attributed to his competitive attitude, as displayed when he yelled at Draymond Green for losing a pick-up game because of a turnover.
Brandin Podziemski: “We can’t have a turnover for game! You cannot turn the ball over for game.”
Draymond Green: “I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem.' Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.'”
This game took place when Draymond was gearing up to return from an ankle injury at the start of the season. Podziemski wasn't satisfied letting Green find his pace back, wanting to win even meaningless games that were meant to help Green ramp up.
Podz is fearless and is earning fans in the Warriors' locker room with his spirit. He's an active communicator, being called the most active member of the team's group chat. He has called out both Stephen Curry and Green in those chats and once sent a flood of funny Draymond pictures to the chat after Green told him to not challenge the veterans.
“He was like: ‘Wham. Wham. Wham.' I still gotta popcorn his car.”
Podz has a fearless attitude, which has aided him in his quick progression through the ranks. He's averaging 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists as a strong two-way rookie who could make the All-Rookie Team. He recently took Klay Thompson's spot in the Warriors starting and closing lineups.
Klay Thompson Told Brandin Podziemski To Stop "Pocket-Watching" When He Compared Their Salaries
Podziemski's rise has been encouraged by the veterans in Golden State, knowing that they need the rookie to develop faster if they want to have a chance to compete this season. Even though Podz is directly affecting Klay's minutes and contributions, the pair have a strong relationship.
The Athletic also revealed in their detailed Podziemski story that Podz tried finding ways to get some spending money off Klay, even openly discussing their salary difference.
"Podziemski stays extremely late after games. He strolls around the locker room and converses with anyone in his orbit. He tried to set up an NBA-related quiz after a game early in the season to get some spending money off Thompson and then compared their salaries when Thompson was hesitant. Thompson told him to stop “pocket-watching.”
It seems this energy has been great for the Warriors, who have won six of their last seven games. Podz has averaged 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists over this stretch, proving to be an integral piece to the squad already.
Given the rough moments other young players like James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Jordan Poole have had in Golden State, it's fantastic to see Brandin instantly fit into the roster and find his place.
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