Brandin Podziemski reflects on Warriors’ chemistry after Klay Thompson’s departure and multiple new additions
Ahead of his sophomore NBA campaign, Golden State Warriors shooting guard Brandin Podziemski recently weighed in on his new-look squad's training camp goals and chemistry.
After narrowly missing last season's playoffs, Golden State had a busy summer. It moved on from two big-name aging players, longtime franchise cornerstone Klay Thompson and veteran point guard Chris Paul.
The Warriors waived Paul early in the offseason. Shortly after, Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract via a sign-and-trade deal.
Golden State used its freed-up cap space to sign veteran role players De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson, fortifying its bench. However, the organization appears to be putting most of its hopes for improvement in the hands of its young prospects.
That includes Brandin Podziemski, who garnered NBA All-Rookie first team honors last season, serving as a versatile glue guy. With Thompson's departure, the 2023 No. 19 draft pick is projected to slot in as a full-time backcourt starter next to superstar point guard Steph Curry.
Meanwhile, fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga and second-year big man Trayce Jackson-Davis' development could prove crucial to the Warriors' 2025 postseason aspirations.
During an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area's Laura Britt Tuesday, Podziemski touched on Golden State's objective to iron out its rotation during training camp.
"The goal in training camp is you obviously want to win, but you also want to see different lineup combinations, what works, what doesn't," Podziemski said. "... So, just learning those things, learning who plays well with who, I think that's the biggest thing in training camp."
When asked where the Warriors stand "chemistry-wise," Podziemski highlighted the excitement surrounding his team's newcomers and young players.
"I just feel like we're young, we're youthful," Podziemski said. "Obviously, our new pieces, De'Anthony, Buddy, Kyle and our draft pick Quinten [Post], it just feels like something new. Obviously, with Klay and Chris gone now, it is gonna be different, but I just think we're full of energy and ready to go."
Brandin Podziemski says he made substantial improvements this offseason
As for Brandin Podziemski's offseason development, he touched on his biggest areas of improvement on 95.7 The Game's "Willard & Dibs" last month.
According to Podziemski, he has taken considerable strides in his midrange shooting, 3-point shooting and defense.
"From a skill development standpoint, I feel like this offseason has been up there with the one from my junior to senior year of high school," Podziemski said.
"For me, I’m feeling really good. Took out the floaters, took out the hook shots. Kind of put in more midrange stuff, more 3s off the dribble, more 3s off the catch. So, just adding different things, and then defensively, trying to take that challenge being out there with Steph every night," he continued.
Golden State lacks a bona fide secondary scoring option behind Steph Curry. So, if Brandin Podziemski takes a sizeable Year 2 leap, perhaps he can grow into that role.
Over 74 appearances last season, Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.2 3-pointers per game, shooting 45.4% and 38.5% from deep.
Also Read: NBA insider says Warriors want Brandin Podziemski to take 8-10 3's per game next season