Brandin Podziemski, selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, took some time to solidify his position in the Golden State Warriors’ lineup. Recently promoted to the starting lineup, Podziemski has provided much-needed playmaking, shooting, and overall skill for the team. However, it’s not just his on-court performance that has impressed the veteran players; it’s also his personality. Draymond Green shared a story with Anthony Slater of The Athletic, recounting an instance during practice in October where the 20-year-old rookie displayed a strong mindset by vocally challenging Green, a veteran player, while they were both on the second unit team.
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Podziemski’s bold statement to Green, “We can’t have a turnover for game! You cannot turn the ball over for game,” as reported by The Athletic via Tristi Rodriguez of Yahoo Sports, showcased remarkable confidence from a 20-year-old who hadn’t yet played in an NBA game. Despite Green’s decorated career, Podziemski chose to hold him accountable, demonstrating natural leadership and a winning mentality. The Warriors’ decision to draft him 19th in the 2023 NBA Draft appears to have been the right one. It’s uncommon for a rookie to call out a veteran like Green, who holds significant influence in the locker room, but Green respected Podziemski for his accountability and hopes he continues to vocalize such matters in the future.
“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem.’ Here we are playing a pickup game, a game to get me ready, and he’s yelling at me. That, to me, said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time,’” Green told Slater.
Now, Brandin Podziemski has emerged as one of the Warriors’ most crucial players. However, according to Draymond Green, he could have anticipated the rapid rise of the 20-year-old guard, given how confidently he carries himself despite his lack of experience.
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