Is Brandin Podziemski playing tonight against Chicago Bulls? Latest on Warriors guard's status for Summer League game (July 14)
The Chicago Bulls take on the undefeated Golden State Warriors led by Brandin Podziemski on Sunday night. The 6-foot-4 guard was named to the Bay Area team's roster for the Summer League and will suit up for the late game against the Bulls at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Podziemski, who played in 74 games for the Warriors last season, is one of the headline names at the tournament. He missed the first two matchups of the California Classic but featured in the team's last two victories.
In his first start against the Sacramento Kings, Podziemski was on the court for 29 minutes and managed to rack up 15 points (4/13 from the field), four assists and two rebounds. His shooting improved in his second start against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, where he finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists, shooting 4/10 from the field.
While many of the younger prospects at the Summer League may be working their way back to form, Brandin Podziemski has stayed active during the offseason. The guard was called up to the USA select team, a group of players that were tasked with practicing and scrimmaging alongside the USA men's national team as it prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Warriors will look to continue their unbeaten streak after four wins from their first four games in the Summer League. Golden State cruised to easy victories against the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers before a closely contested matchup versus the Kings. That was followed by a victory over the Suns on Saturday.
Tonight's game tipsoff at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
Brandin Podziemski will take on added responsibility for the Warriors next season with the departure of Klay Thompson
Warriors fans knew that it was only a matter of time before the famous "Splash Brothers" duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson would be separated. After an incredible run that produced four championships for the franchise, Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks this offseason.
Brandin Podziemski, who started 24 games last season, many of which were in place of Thompson, is the obvious replacement for the shooting guard spot after an impressive rookie year.
Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and shot over 45% from the field. He averaged just 26.6 minutes per game, but with the departure of Thompson and Chris Paul, the Warriors backcourt is looking a little light. Expect Podziemski to play a bigger role next season, with coach Steve Kerr likely to incorporate him into the starting lineup.