Brandin Podzemski is quickly learning what it takes to build a career in the NBA. One of his Warriors teammates has noticed.
“He’s a very confident guy,” Golden State star Steph Curry said of Podzemski after Warriors practice on Tuesday. “He feels like he belongs, knows he belongs and works. He has a style that he understands will translate to the league, and [he’s learning] How he can have an impact on the game.”
Podziemski has been a bright spot during Warriors training camp and the preseason. In three exhibition games, the 20-year-old is averaging 7.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 27.3 minutes while shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 25 percent (2 of 8) from 3-point range.
The No. 19 overall pick had 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting in the Warriors’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 7 and had a double-double in the rematch six days later. During the Warriors’ 121-115 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, Podzemski was held to four points on 1-of-5 shooting, but contributed six rebounds and four assists in the overtime win.
The results can be attributed to Podziemski’s diligent approach.
“Studying how we prepare for training and games and how we see the game — he asks questions,” Curry said of his young teammate. “He is very active in this part of communication and trying to gather as much knowledge as possible.
“When he plays out there, you can all really tell. He has a presence about him. That’s what you want to see from a rookie coming in — be brave, understand you have a lot to learn, go out and compete. And he’s done that.”
Curry isn’t the only member of the Warriors organization to talk about Podzemski’s progress this fall. Gary Payton II is the rookie’s standout coach on defense, and coach Steve Kerr has been impressed with the results.
“He’s getting a lot of deflections, which is an indication that he’s anticipating really well,” Steve Kerr said earlier this month. “I think one of the things our scouts really liked about him is that he has a knack for the ball, whether it’s rebounding, catching a pass or making a steal.
“He may not have the length and bounce you’re looking for, but he has feel and talent, and that’s just as important, if not more so.”
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