Brandin Podziemski dished out 14 assists during the Golden State Warriors win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday (Feb. 2) in what was the latest impressive showing from the rookie. Podziemski also had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block off the bench, as he gave his team a much-needed boost.
Speaking to the media after the game, head coach Steve Kerr praised Podzeimski’s production before noting that he was too talented to be confined to one position on the court. Instead, Kerr said that Podziemski was just a “basketball player” rather than a guard or two guards, thus emphasizing his importance to the rotation.
“Brandin’s great,” Kerr said. “He’s just a basketball player. He’s not a point. He’s not a two-guard. He’s just a basketball player. And the extra ball-handling we have when he’s on the floor with Steph is really important. And then, when Steph goes to the bench, we really need him out there to help run the team. He just knows how to play. He’s had a great rookie season. And, he’s just getting better.”
Podziemski has quickly cemented himself as a big part of Golden State’s future. Given the performances he has provided throughout his rookie season, it’s likely the Warriors front office is viewing Podziemski in a similar way to how they view Jonathan Kuminga: untouchable.
"He's not a point, he's not a two guard, he's just a basketball player."
Steve Kerr praises Podz after the rookie posted a career-high 14 assists in tonight's win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/tVhDyWDX4N
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 3, 2024
Golden State’s future looks bright when both the veteran and younger players perform at a high level. Right now, there’s a feel-good factor emerging around the team, and that’s something that’s been missing throughout the first half of the season.
