Brandin Podziemski Finding His Groove - and Maybe His Future - in Golden State
When you think about the youth movement in Golden State, Jonathan Kuminga is usually the first name that comes to mind - and for good reason. He’s the highest-drafted prospect on the roster and has flashed the kind of athletic upside that turns heads. But as the Warriors look ahead, it’s starting to feel like the young player they’re truly investing in might be Brandin Podziemski.
Now in his third season, the former Santa Clara standout has had his share of peaks and valleys with the Warriors. But lately, Podziemski is trending in the right direction, and his recent stretch of play has earned some high praise from none other than Steve Kerr - a coach who doesn’t hand out compliments lightly.
Kerr on Podz: "He's Been Great"
After a rocky start to the 2025-26 campaign, Podziemski has found his rhythm. He’s stepped up as a key contributor off the bench, and Kerr has taken notice.
“Podz has been great,” Kerr told reporters on Sunday. “The thing we hammer home with him all the time is get off the ball. Don’t dominate the ball.”
That’s a telling quote. It speaks to how the Warriors want Podziemski to play - not as a ball-stopper, but as a smart, quick decision-maker who can keep the offense flowing. And lately, he’s been doing just that.
Over his last five games, Podziemski is averaging 12.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. He’s shooting a scorching 52.2% from the field and an even more impressive 48% from beyond the arc on five attempts per night. That’s not just solid - that’s efficient, confident basketball, especially for a young guard still finding his place in the league.
Two games in particular stand out: a 21-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist performance against the Bulls, and an 18-point showing in a loss to the Suns. Those aren’t just good box scores - they’re signs of a player who’s starting to put it all together.
A Crucial Year Ahead
Looking ahead, the stakes are only getting higher for Podziemski. The 2026-27 season will be the final year of his rookie deal, and once this season wraps, he’ll be eligible for an extension. What he does between now and then could directly impact how much Golden State is willing to invest in him long-term.
The Warriors have been down this road before. They locked up Moses Moody on a three-year, $37.5 million rookie extension without much drama.
That’s the kind of clean negotiation they’d love to replicate with Podziemski. The alternative?
A more complicated situation like the one currently surrounding Kuminga.
What makes this even more important is the broader context of the Warriors’ roster. Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are all set to hit free agency after the 2026-27 season.
That leaves just Moody and rookie Will Richard under contract beyond next year. If Golden State sees Podziemski as a foundational piece, they’ll want to get ahead of the curve and lock him in.
What Could the Extension Look Like?
Right now, the price tag is still a question mark. But based on his current trajectory, Podziemski is probably in line for something closer to Moody’s extension than the more lucrative rookie deals handed out to players like Dyson Daniels, Christian Braun, or Shaedon Sharpe this past offseason.
That’s not a knock - it’s just where he stands today. But if he keeps trending upward, showing he can be a reliable two-way guard with playmaking chops and elite shooting touch, the conversation could shift quickly.
The Bottom Line
Podziemski isn’t just playing better - he’s playing smarter. He’s making quicker reads, picking his spots, and showing the kind of maturity that coaches love. And in a Warriors system that’s always valued high-IQ basketball, that matters.
With a roster in transition and a future that’s still being written, Golden State needs its young players to step up and claim their roles. Right now, Brandin Podziemski looks like he’s doing just that.