Because the Golden State Warriors put together for a busy offseason, they’re anticipated to make some key roster selections.
On March 30, the Golden State Warriors simply dispatched the San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors gained 148- 106 and by no means trailed, and had been led by Brandin Podziemski’s 27 factors. He shot seven of 9 from 3-point vary within the win, and the Warriors as a complete shot 47.7% from deep, making it not possible for the Spurs to remain within the sport.
Podziemski has spent current months overcoming a sluggish begin to the season and is again in his All-Rookie kind from final 12 months. Throughout his rookie marketing campaign, he appeared like the kind of participant the Warriors might construct round within the tail finish of Stephen Curry’s profession, though after the Warriors went all-in on Jimmy Butler in February, growing younger expertise is the very last thing on their thoughts.
For followers, this story ought to sound acquainted. The Warriors gained a title in 2022 largely due to teen Jordan Poole stepping up in an enormous approach, however he was rapidly run out of city by Draymond Inexperienced and the workforce’s desperation to remain afloat.
Sadly, an identical story might occur with Podziemski.
The Warriors have made it clear since final season that they see Podziemski as a long-term fixture of their rotation, however he began this season chilly and it took him some time to get his scorching hand again.
Earlier than the All-Star Break, he was averaging simply 9.7 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per sport whereas taking pictures simply 32% from 3-point vary. He has since improved and has benefited vastly from the arrival of Butler.
Steve Kerr appears to assume Podziemski can slot in with their present rotation, saying, “The connection that he’s acquired with Draymond and Jimmy, simply making these reads, it’s enjoyable to observe.”
Heading into subsequent season, the Warriors could have very actual title aspirations. They are going to nonetheless have Draymond Inexperienced and Stephen Curry underneath contract, and have prolonged Butler for the following two seasons.
With a title-or-bust mentality, anticipate Golden State to make strikes with short-term success on their thoughts, and Podziemski’s current stretch may need stamped his spot within the rotation for the long run.
Heading into the summer time, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, and Kevon Looney will all be free brokers. Moses Moody and Buddy Hield have been the topic of some commerce hypothesis, and Podziemski was made untouchable final season in talks for Lauri Markkanen and Paul George, however that seemingly gained’t be the case this summer time.
After buying and selling Poole to the Washington Wizards in 2023, the Warriors missed the playoffs the next 12 months. The lesson was clearly realized: some extent of continuity is an efficient factor, and retaining good vibes intact is price greater than including random expertise.
This summer time, whichever teen suits in finest with the All-Star trio will seemingly keep in Golden State. Kuminga and Butler haven’t actually shared the ground, and his current damage will proceed to stop that. Moody’s commerce worth will seemingly be at an all-time excessive, and Podziemski has averaged 17 factors on ridiculous effectivity over the past 5 video games, proving that he can share the courtroom with the established stars.
Shifting ahead, Podziemski might have as soon as once more compelled the Warriors to assume lengthy and arduous earlier than parting methods with him.
