Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is already thinking about the future — and how to carry the torch once the team’s veteran stars step away.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, the 22-year-old made clear that he’s preparing for the day when Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler eventually leave the game. For Podziemski, it’s not just about filling their shoes on the court, but earning the confidence of those who built the Warriors’ dynasty.
“When they leave this thing, they got to leave it with somebody,” Podziemski said. “How can I have their trust? And they can go to Joe [Lacob] and Mike [Dunleavy] and be like, ‘Hey, we want to leave it with him. He’s going to continue what we’re leaving.’”
The second-year guard has shown signs of readiness to take on that challenge. After averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a rookie, Podziemski improved across the board in 2024–25, posting 11.7 points per game on 44.5% shooting while starting 33 of 64 appearances.
He also gained valuable postseason experience, starting in 11 of the Warriors’ 12 playoff games and averaging 11.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in over 32 minutes per contest. Those performances have positioned him as one of the most trusted young players in Steve Kerr’s rotation.
Podziemski has earned praise for his competitiveness, court vision, and basketball IQ — traits that align with the Warriors’ brand of unselfish, motion-based basketball. His focus now is on the intangibles that go beyond statistics.
“There’s a lot of other things than just skill that you need to be in that position,” he said, emphasizing leadership and accountability as qualities he continues to develop.
Golden State’s roster still revolves around its veterans, but Podziemski’s emergence gives the franchise a potential bridge between its championship past and its uncertain future. Alongside Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis, he represents the next generation the Warriors are grooming to sustain their winning culture.
