Brandin Podziemski speaks to Warriors' underdog mindset

Brandin Podziemski wants naysayers to continue writing off his Warriors, who are projected to win 43.5 games and miss the playoffs this upcoming season.

In a recent interview with NBC Sports Bay Area , Podz was asked about an anonymous NBA coach likening the aging Warriors to a washed-up rock band. The second-year guard was fresh off batting practice at Oracle Park, and it seemed like his adrenaline had not worn off.

"We don't love to hear that, but we love to hear that in the fact that we're going to do something that no one expects us to do," he said. "They don't think we're the Warriors that we were before, and for us, I think it's just the best feeling when you don't have anything to lose, and you just go out and prove people wrong. There's a bunch of guys with that mentality that thrive off proving people wrong. I know Steph [Curry] is one of those guys. To be alongside him in the backcourt, and with our other guys, we're excited to prove people wrong."

The second-year guard is expected to be a key member of Golden State's offense this season, especially after he showed flashes of an elite playmaker and shooter as a rookie. Podz revealed in an earlier interview that he's expected to attempt 10 threes per game this season and essentially fill the void left by Klay Thompson, who departed for the Mavericks as a free agent.

The 21-year-old has also basked in praise from Warriors governor Joe Lacob, head coach Steve Kerr and others who've spoken candidly about Podziemski being groomed as Curry's successor. Podz has become such a favorite around the Warriors that he's earned the rare "untouchable" tag in trade talks involving All-Stars such as Lauri Markkanen and Paul George.

Now, the onus is on Podz to prove he's worth the hype. The Warriors kick off their season against the Blazers on Oct. 23.