Warriors Betting on Brandin Podziemski

It took the Minnesota Timberwolves skipping Stephen Curry on two consecutive draft picks for the Golden State Warriors to draft their guard of the future. It's understandable for the franchise to move cautiously when dealing with its young guard moving forward. Brandin Podziemski reminds a fortunate Warriors team that nearly missed its "Light Years" catalyst. For that, Podziemski appears untouchable.

“A lot of these other teams are calling about you,” Podziemski said Mike Dunleavy Jr. told him. “They want you, but you’re not going anywhere. You’re ours.”

During the summer, Golden State reportedly led trade talks with the Utah Jazz. Lauri Markkanen, before signing an extension, had one year left with $18 million owed. Among the players, reportedly, Danny Ainge refused to make a trade with the Warriors if the Jazz didn't receive Brandin Podziesmki. The alleged trade never happened, and the neon signs point to Podziemski as a future player for the Warriors.

Curry turns 37 in March. For as magical as Curry is, the Warriors must plan for the future. Perhaps they presently have the future in Podziemski.

While Podziemski's offense deserves praise, as a rookie amid a team with championship expectations, his defense alludes to something more profound. According to Synergy Basketball, Podziemski is a good defender. Typically, rookies aren't great, or even adequate, defenders.

What does it mean to be a good defender? Well, holding opponents to a 48-effective field goal percentage is an impressive start.

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Although the Warriors likely won't finish the 2024-25 season with a championship, Dunleavy perceives them as having a better chance with Podziemski rather than not.