Podz had the most assists in a game as a rookie for the Warriors since Stephen Curry!
Today I’ll be chronicling the best performances of the 2024 calendar year from our Golden State Warriors. Although the Dubs didn’t make the playoffs during the 2023-2024 season and have been pretty mid to finish the year, there have been plenty of fantastic individual performances to enjoy and give Dub Nation hope for the future.
I’m picking guys who don’t always get the spotlight for their efforts, but the fanbase has high hopes for them. As we turn the page into the new year, it’s a time for optimism and renewed belief. That’s why I want to give you a look at Brandin Podziemski’s best game of the season and a rose colored synopsis of what I believe the best of his game can be:
14.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 3, 2024
Brandin Podziemski has the most assists by a Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry. pic.twitter.com/QfhSdNK7VK
Brandin Podziemski is the kind of player who seems tailor-made for a Golden State Warriors system that prizes high basketball IQ, skill, and versatility. He’s a Swiss Army knife of a guard—a player who can do a little bit of everything, and often do it well. What makes him stand out isn’t just his knack for stuffing the stat sheet; it’s how he does it—with poise, grit, and a feel for the game that belies his years. For a team that’s always looking for players who “get it,” Podziemski fits the bill perfectly.
Offensively, Podziemski is a connector. He’s not an overwhelming athlete, but his court vision and passing instincts make him a natural facilitator. Think of him as a younger Shaun Livingston with more range. Whether it’s threading the needle in transition or making the extra pass in the half-court, he has a knack for seeing plays unfold before they happen.
And then there’s his shooting—clean mechanics, a quick release, and a knack for hitting timely shots. He proved in college that he’s a legitimate threat from deep, but more importantly, he has the confidence to let it fly even in tight moments. The Warriors love players who can keep the ball moving and space the floor, and Podziemski checks both boxes.
Defensively, Podziemski’s game is built on effort and smarts. He’s not going to overwhelm anyone with athleticism, but he’s a tireless worker who plays angles well and anticipates passing lanes. Golden State values defenders who can stay engaged and make team-oriented plays, and Podziemski fits that mold. He’s also a surprisingly strong rebounder for his size, thanks to his instincts and tenacity—a quality the Warriors love to see from their guards.
The Warriors see Podziemski as a guy who can plug into multiple roles. He can run the second unit as a steady hand at point guard, complement scorers with his off-ball movement, or bring energy as a combo guard who makes winning plays. For Golden State, the goal is to develop his skills within their system while letting his natural instincts shine. In time, Podziemski could grow into another quintessential Warrior: a selfless, high-impact player who makes everyone around him better.
