The Golden State Warriors have picked and believe shooting guard Brandin Podziemski is their “guard of the future”, according to Shams Charania. This means Podziemski is pretty much untouchable in all trade talks with the Warriors now.
Podziemski was drafted in 2023 with the 19th pick in the draft by the Warriors, and has blossomed into a key player for them. Mostly coming off the bench this season and getting a few starts over Warriors legend Klay Thompson, Podziemski is now one of the pieces of the future.
Podziemski averaged nine points, six rebounds, and four assists in his rookie season. This statline got him to be put on the All-Rookie team for the season, making him one of the best rookies last year.
Podziemski was the dealbreaker in a trade for Lauri Markkanen, the Utah Jazz’s superstar. The Warriors were not willing to part with Podziemski as part of a trade for Markkanen, which means they really believe in his future. This also means they threw away their chance to be a solid playoff team, and now are gambling with their current roster.
With Thompson now gone, Podziemski will start in his place. According to the Warriors, they think he will be Thompson’s successor, and part of their new young core to replace the old Warriors dynasty.
