Brandin Podziemski once boldly claimed he would be the one to follow in Stephen Curry’s footsteps, taking over when the legendary shooter retires. The Warriors seemed to agree with this plan, as they refused to trade him for players like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen.
Struggles on the Court:
However, things haven’t gone as expected for Podziemski. In his second season, his performance has been underwhelming. He’s averaging just 8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting poorly from both the field and beyond the arc. This is a step back from his rookie year when he promised to fill Klay Thompson’s shoes alongside Curry.
During a recent game against Denver, Podziemski made several poor choices that cost the Warriors their lead. Within a short span of time in the fourth quarter, he committed a turnover with a bad pass and took an ill-advised three-point shot. He also fouled Michael Porter Jr., resulting in a four-point play for Denver.
Fans are starting to wonder if Podziemski can really be Curry’s successor.
Coaching Criticism:
After these mistakes led to a loss against Denver, Coach Steve Kerr criticized Podziemski’s decision-making skills. Kerr pointed out that similar errors had occurred in another recent game against Brooklyn.
Steve Kerr critical of Brandin Podziemskiโs decision making tonight vs Nuggets: โHe can not be that guy. He canโt foul jump shooters. I love Brandin. Hell of a player. Hell of a future. But I hope he watches this clip because he needs to hear it.โ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater)
Turning point in Nuggets-Warriors tonight was this sequence here.
Podziemski waves off a Jokiฤ-on-Wiggins switch to miss a step-back 25-footer, Nuggets grab it, Podz fouls a 3-point shooter:
— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_)
Team Dynamics:
Even Draymond Green has voiced concerns about Podziemski’s risky plays instead of choosing safer options on the court. With both Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga struggling to find their place in the team dynamics, there are whispers that they might be traded for a superstar before Februaryโs trade deadline.
The Warriors may need to make some tough decisions if they want to maximize Curry’s remaining years on the team.
