Brandin Podziemski has found himself in the Golden State Warriors starting lineup for the past two games. The impressive rookie has made an impact when given the opportunity and has overtaken Andrew Wiggins within Steve Kerr‘s rotation. During the Warriors win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday (Dec. 16,) Podziemski was one of the best players on the court.
When speaking to the media as part of his post-game press conference, Steph Curry praised Podziemski’s performance. The future Hall of Famer detailed how the rookie has some intangibles that can’t be taught, along with a will to impact the game.
“Some of the stuff that he does, you can’t teach, there’s a feel,” Curry said. “Being in the right place, anticipating plays, hustle. I said that he’s a master right now of things that you can control in a game of basketball. Trying to make the right play. Giving the extra effort. The will to impact a game. Those intangibles are huge…Keep doing that and he’ll get rewarded for it.”
Podziemski ended the game against Brooklyn with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, shooting 46.7% from the field and 44.4% from 3-point range. Offensively, the rookie is earning his minutes with his level of play, but will undoubtedly be conscious of his need to improve on the defensive side of the floor.
Steph on Podz: “Some of the stuff he does you can’t teach, there’s a feel – being in the right place, anticipating plays, hustle – he’s a master right now of the things you can control in the game of basketball.”
byu/taygads inspeaking to the media
Nevertheless, earning such glowing praise from your team’s star player will only serve to improve Podziemski’s confidence. He’s already looking like a steal in the draft, and if his performances continue to impact games at a high level, Andrew Wiggins may have a tough time getting his starting spot back.
