The Golden State Warriors selected Brandin Podziemski with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Joe Lacob shared high praise for him ahead of his second season, labeling him as a future All-Star.
Speaking at the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, the Warriors majority owner and CEO was asked about the All-Rookie First Team selection, responding:
He was a revelation, to be quite honest. I mean, he’s one of the, what, All-Rookie Team, top-five in the league? He started a whole bunch of games for us. Steve [Kerr] had troubles getting him off the floor. I mean, he had to have him on the floor, he was so good.
He does so many things well. He’s ultra confident. He’s got an NBA body. He can get wherever he wants. He obviously can shoot threes. He can drive. He can pass. I mean, what can’t he do? We’re really excited. We think we’ve got a future All-Star. We really do.
Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game. He shot 45.4% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range and 63.3% from the free-throw line as a rookie. In addition to being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.
The Warriors have been reluctant to include Brandin Podziemski in trade talks
Brandin Podziemski exceeded expectations as a rookie with the Golden State Warriors. The organization has been reluctant to include him in trade talks as they are high on his upside. Anthony Slater, who covers Golden State for The Athletic, reported that he is beloved internally.
The Warriors have reportedly shown interest in Utah Jazz All-Star forward and 2023 Most Improved Player Lauri Markkanen. Utah has reportedly asked for Podziemski and a massive haul of draft capital. It is unclear if Golden State will budge on their reluctance to move the second-year player.
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