Brandin Podziemski had a breakout game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The rookie shooting guard was thrust into a bigger role following Klay Thompson’s ejection from the game in the opening minutes. Podziemski ended the night with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. He shot 50% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range.
After the game, Steve Kerr revealed that Podziemski has earned himself a larger role within the Golden State Warriors rotation. Kerr noted how the rookie will likely play in every game and that he’s earned the promotion with his play throughout his first seven games with the team.
“He’s gonna play. He’s gonna play every night. He’s earned that. He was incredible tonight. He’s been great in practice. There’s something unique about him. At that size, he had seven tonight to rebound the way he does; he’s always in the right spot. He’s fearless. And he connects the game. He plays the way we want to play. The ball moves when he’s out there. He’s attacking at the right times. He’s cutting at the right times. Defensively he’s good. He’s a d*** good player. So, he’s going to play.”
Podziemski played 39 minutes against the Timberwolves. He has impressed every time he’s been given the opportunity to participate as part of Golden State’s primary rotation. Now, the rookie will have the chance to continue earning more minutes by being given a bigger opportunity on a nightly basis.
"He's a damn good player, so he's going to play."
Kerr is ready to give Podziemski more run pic.twitter.com/rzbaJs0DvL
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2023
Podziemski was drafted with the 19th pick in the 2023 draft. He’s already proving himself an incredibly shrewd pickup by the Warriors front office and coaching staff.
