Brandin Podziemski Surging at the Perfect Time

Nightmare Start to Brandin Podziemski’s Sophomore Season

Coming into the season, Podziemski was projected to start at shooting guard after the departure of future Hall of Famer Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. Massive shoes to fill. Back in training camp, Draymond Green warned Podz not to fall in the trap of trying to replace Thompson’s production, but instead play his own style of basketball.

According to Kerr, Podz reportedly did not “stand out in camp” and was not an opening-night starter.

Despite not starting, Podziemski still had major expectations to take the next step in his development and become a high-level contributor.

He failed to do so.

In his first 30 games of the 2024-2025 season, Podziemski averaged 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on 40.4/29.5/73.3 splits. A decrease in every statistical category besides free-throw percentage.

Pressure Getting to Him

The expectations and pressure that Podziemski was dealing with felt overbearing. The scrutiny and harsh analysis of his level of play by the fanbase also seemed to have an impact on his performance.

This led him to even apologize for his decision-making and mindset on the court.

Sometimes All It Takes is a Reset

On Dec. 28, in a battle against a Pacific division foe in the Phoenix Suns, Podziemski suffered an abdominal injury that sidelined him for 12 games, nearly a month of action.

It felt like Podz wasn’t going to escape a sophomore slump, but the injury he suffered ended up becoming a blessing in disguise. It served as a well-needed reset that he desperately needed. The numbers back this up.

Since returning from his abdominal injury, Podziemski averaged 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game on 46.9/41.2/76.9 splits in his final 34 games of action in the regular season. During this stretch, Podziemski also dropped a 59.4% true shooting percentage.

Podziemski Reached another Gear At the Perfect Time

Podziemski’s game reached new heights to close the season.

In the final 10 games of the season, Podz averaged 17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game on 50.8/48.5/81.3 splits. The standout performance within this stretch for Podziemski was his 28-point (22 points at halftime), eight-rebound and six-assist performance against the Lakers.

He followed this stellar performance with another gem against the Denver Nuggets on a back-to-back, dropping 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists on an efficient 62.5% from the field.

Podziemski’s Resurgence Turned Golden State’s Season Around

Podziemski finished the regular season averaging 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game on 44.5/37.2/75.8 splits.

Despite his horrid start, Podziemski’s strong second half of the season helped him finish third on the team with a +259 plus/minus this season. Podziemski ended up becoming a positive for Golden State, finishing with an efficiency differential of +6.8 on the season.

Brandin Podziemski’s resurgence helped Golden State turn around their season and make the playoffs. Podz establishing this same level of consistency will be essential for Golden State’s chances in defeating the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.