Brandin Podziemski Isn’t Ditching the Mid-Range - And the Warriors Are Better for It
The Golden State Warriors have been riding the rollercoaster this season, hovering at a dead-even 15-15 as they gear up for their Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. It’s been a campaign full of adjustments, from lineup shuffles to figuring out how to maximize a roster that’s still searching for its identity. But in the midst of all that, one thing has remained steady: Brandin Podziemski’s confidence - especially in a shot most of the league has all but abandoned.
In today’s NBA, the mid-range jumper has become the odd man out. Analytics have pushed teams toward a binary shot chart: three-pointers and layups, with everything in between labeled inefficient. But Podziemski isn’t buying into the idea that the mid-range is dead - not if he can hit it at a high clip.
“Yeah, one thing about me, I love shooting the mid-range shot,” Podziemski said. “Even though it’s bad analytically, I love shooting them.
If you’re going to shoot them, you’ve got to shoot them at a really high clip, percentage-wise. So I feel really confident, really comfortable doing that, and when the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
That’s not just talk. It’s a calculated mindset from a young guard who understands the trade-off. If he’s going to live in the mid-range, he knows he has to be efficient - and so far this season, he’s backing it up.
A Versatile Contributor in a Shifting Role
Podziemski’s numbers tell the story of a player who’s adjusting on the fly and still finding ways to make an impact. He’s averaging 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 44.1% from the field and a strong 39.8% from beyond the arc. That’s a pretty complete stat line for a player who’s toggled between starting and coming off the bench.
What stands out is his adaptability. Whether he’s initiating offense, crashing the glass, or spacing the floor, Podziemski has shown he can step into multiple roles and still be effective.
His rebounding, in particular, continues to be a strength - he’s one of the best rebounding guards in the league, and it’s not just about numbers. It’s about timing, effort, and basketball IQ.
Breakout Game vs. Orlando
Monday night’s win over the Orlando Magic was a perfect snapshot of what Podziemski brings when he’s in rhythm. Coming off the bench, he dropped 16 points, dished out five assists, and grabbed four boards.
But the real eye-opener? The Warriors were +36 in his 27-plus minutes on the floor.
That kind of plus-minus doesn’t happen by accident. Podziemski was everywhere - pushing the pace, making the right reads, hitting shots in the flow of the offense. It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just pad the box score - it changes the game.
Why He Still Matters for Golden State
Let’s be clear: Podziemski’s role may have shifted, but his value hasn’t. He’s still a key piece in the Warriors’ rotation, and his game continues to evolve in ways that help this team win. His three-point shooting has taken a step forward from last season, and he’s showing more confidence in his playmaking - especially when attacking off the dribble.
But what really sets him apart is his willingness to play his game. In a league where players often mold themselves to fit the numbers, Podziemski is sticking with what works for him.
That mid-range jumper? It’s not just a comfort zone - it’s a weapon.
And when he’s hitting it at a high percentage, it forces defenses to respect every level of the floor.
The Warriors are still searching for consistency, still figuring out how all the pieces fit together. But Podziemski’s growth - and his ability to impact the game whether he’s starting or coming off the bench - is one of the more encouraging storylines of the season.
Golden State picked up his fourth-year option for a reason. He’s not just a role player - he’s a connector, a spark plug, and a guy who’s not afraid to take the shot that others won’t. And as this season unfolds, don’t be surprised if that mid-range jumper becomes a bigger part of the Warriors’ winning formula.