The Golden State Warriors recalled Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski from the Santa Cruz Warriors a day earlier than scheduled. The rookies were then featured in their team’s 114-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Despite the loss, both rookies gave a good account of themselves, as they brought energy to the rotation and impressed with their decision-making.
Speaking after the game, Steph Curry praised Jackson-Davis and Podziemski for the great job they’ve been doing since being drafted by Golden State in the summer. Curry’s comments follow similar praise from Draymond Green after the Warriors’ win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, when the rookies were absent from the rotation.
“They bring great energy,” Curry said. “They approach the game the right way. That’s why we love having them around. You can throw them in there and they look like they belong. So, it’s nice to see them play with confidence, play with energy, and give us a huge bump…They’re doing a great job.”
Last season, the Warriors had an unbalanced roster, with multiple developmental talents in the locker room. This season, Mike Dunleavy Jr. has targeted veteran additions to give the Warriors more balance. As such, Jackson-Davis and Podziemski are in an environment built to develop character and skill level.
Steph feels Podz and TJD have been doing a "great job" staying ready when needed 💪 pic.twitter.com/n1UErX5Izg
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 6, 2023
The two rookies can look toward Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody‘s start to the season as proof the franchise’s talent development system can pay dividends. Nevertheless, both rookies have impressed to start the season and will likely feature throughout their team’s run toward the playoffs. Both have the talent to be in the NBA for a long time.
