Brandin Podziemski Embracing His Role, Footwork, and Fit in Warriors’ Surging Second Unit
Brandin Podziemski may not be the headline name on a Golden State Warriors roster that still features its championship core, but make no mistake - he’s carving out a role that’s becoming increasingly valuable. While much of the spotlight has hovered over the stars and the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga saga, Podziemski has quietly become one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.
The 2023-24 All-Rookie First Team selection has shown steady growth in his first three years, and though his minutes and box score numbers have dipped as the season’s progressed, the impact he’s making is starting to shine through in more nuanced ways - and fans are beginning to take notice.
A Shift in Role, A Rise in Impact
Early in the season, expectations for Podziemski were sky-high, especially given the trust Steve Kerr was placing in him. That, paired with some bold off-court comments, led to a bit of friction with the fanbase.
But something has shifted. The narrative surrounding Podziemski has softened, and it’s not just because expectations have cooled - it’s because he’s adapting, and thriving, in a more defined role off the bench.
In fact, January has been his most efficient month yet, boasting a net rating of +6 - his best of the season. That number doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s a reflection of smarter decisions, tighter execution, and a player who’s learning how to make the most of his minutes.
He’s not forcing things. Instead, he’s leaning into what the team needs: energy, defense, timely shooting, and a level of composure that’s starting to show up in big moments.
Footwork in the Corners: A Subtle Art
One of the more underrated parts of Podziemski’s game is his ability to manufacture tough shots when the clock is ticking down. It’s become something of a theme this season - the ball finds him late in the shot clock, and somehow, he finds a way to get it off cleanly, often in awkward positions or tight spaces.
That was on full display again in the Warriors’ recent win over the Knicks. With the clock winding down in the second quarter, Podziemski buried a tough stepback jumper from the deep corner - the kind of shot that looks low-percentage until it drops.
After the game, Podziemski pulled back the curtain on how those moments come together.
“In the corners, it's tighter space, so you gotta be more precise with your footwork,” he said. “But in my free time, I just like to mess around with different things and see what I can try and learn some new things.
Obviously, repetitions help - doin' it a bunch, you kinda get a feel for staying inbounds and stuff like that. And so I just kinda let my body take over and it happened.”
That blend of curiosity, repetition, and muscle memory is what separates guys who can hit those shots in practice from those who can knock them down with the lights on. It’s not just about talent - it’s about preparation.
Second Unit Chemistry Is Clicking
Steve Kerr has long emphasized the importance of depth, and this year’s second unit is starting to look like a real weapon. At the heart of that group is a four-man core that’s been quietly dominating opposing benches: Jimmy Butler, Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Al Horford.
That quartet brings a little bit of everything - scoring, spacing, playmaking, and switchable defense. Whether they’re paired with a wing like Will Richard or a forward like Gui Santos, the chemistry is there, and it’s translating into winning stretches.
Podziemski, in particular, has found a rhythm playing off Butler’s creation. He and Melton form a backcourt duo that can both handle the ball, knock down shots, and defend at the point of attack. It’s the kind of balance that keeps the offense humming and the defense active, even when the stars are resting.
And for a franchise that built part of its dynasty on the mantra “Strength in Numbers,” this group is starting to feel like a throwback to those early Warriors teams - deep, connected, and dangerous.
The Bigger Picture
Brandin Podziemski may not be lighting up the scoreboard every night, but he’s doing the little things that help teams win - especially in the margins. His footwork, his awareness, his adaptability - it’s all trending in the right direction.
As the Warriors continue to navigate a season full of ups and downs, players like Podziemski will be crucial. He’s proving that he doesn’t need to be the focal point to be effective. Instead, he’s becoming the kind of guy who makes everything around him work just a little bit better.
And in a league where depth often separates contenders from pretenders, that kind of contribution can be the difference between a playoff run and an early exit.