Steve Kerr Sees Continued Growth for Brandin Podziemski
Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, has high hopes for guard Brandin Podziemski as he enters his third NBA season. Kerr believes that Podziemski, who had a significant role in the Warriors’ lineup last year, is poised to take another significant step forward. “This is a year where he takes another step,” Kerr told reporters after the team’s first training camp practice. Podziemski’s journey so far has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, and Kerr is confident that the young player has the resilience and determination to continue improving.
A Promising Second Season
Podziemski’s second season was a mix of highs and lows. He started in all but one of the Warriors’ 12 playoff games, averaging 11.3 points per contest, though his field-goal percentage was a concerning 36.4%. Despite this, he had standout moments that showcased his potential. One of his best performances came in Game 4 of the first round against the Houston Rockets, where he scored 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including six 3-pointers. This crucial performance helped the Warriors secure a 109-106 victory and take a 3-1 lead in the series. Podziemski’s ability to step up in high-pressure situations is a testament to his growing confidence and skill set.
Learning to Move On
One of the key lessons Kerr emphasizes for Podziemski is the importance of resilience. “One of the hardest lessons I ever learned as a player is when you have that bad night, you have to move on quickly,” Kerr explained. “You can’t let it get to you; you can’t let it carry over into the next day’s practice.” Podziemski, a big-time competitor, cares deeply about his performance, making it all the more challenging to shake off tough nights. Kerr wants to help his young guard maintain a positive mindset and remain focused, even after difficult games. This emotional maturity is crucial for Podziemski’s continued development and for the team’s success.
Areas for Improvement
Kerr has identified specific areas where Podziemski can improve. While he wants Podziemski to remain aggressive with his shooting, there’s another aspect that the coach finds particularly important: “Honestly, you’ll laugh, but leaving the refs alone,” Kerr said. “It’s important to his energy, his mindset. It’s important for our team’s mindset. And taking that next step in just being more even-keeled.” Podziemski agrees with his coach’s assessment, noting that emotional maturity is a key area for him to focus on. “Talking to the refs is included in that. But, just keeping a composure about myself so that my teammates see that,” Podziemski told reporters.
Stepping Up in the Absence of Veterans
As the Warriors’ roster ages, the team is likely to face situations where veterans miss games due to injuries or rest. In these instances, the younger core, including Podziemski, will be relied upon more heavily. “And those games that the veterans are out, how can we manufacture wins, and I think I’m going to be a focal part of that when they’re out,” Podziemski said. He understands the importance of maintaining composure and leading by example, especially when the team looks to him for guidance. “So if they’re going to look to me and I’m out of whack emotionally, [it] becomes hard to win,” he added.
A Strong Finish to the Previous Season
Despite some initial struggles, Podziemski finished the 2024-25 NBA season on a high note. He missed 12 games due to injury in late December into late January but returned with a vengeance. In his final 34 regular-season games, he averaged 14.9 points per game while shooting 46.9% from the field and 41.2% from beyond the arc. This strong finish demonstrated his ability to bounce back from setbacks and his potential to be a consistent contributor to the Warriors’ success. As he enters his third season, Podziemski is determined to build on this momentum and take the next step in his NBA journey.
