The Golden State Warriors roster lacks a good deal of youth and promise, especially compared to its iteration just a couple of years ago.
Players like former 2021 lottery picks Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga have failed to match their potential coming out of college and the promise that they showed just a couple of seasons ago.
There is one player on the roster who could meaningfully leap forward in his progress - third-year guard Brandin Podziemski.
He had a breakout rookie year in 2023-24, but his sophomore season did not continue the upward trend. His third season, coming in 2025-2026, will show whether his first season was simply a flash in the pan or if he can build up his skillset and grow into a more impactful player.
According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, the guard could make “the leap” next season and build upon his role player status.
“This year, a player who has always done the little things will take a leap by improving in more conspicuous areas,” Hughes wrote of Podziemski.
“Podz has graded out as merely a middling pick-and-roll operator, posting points-per-possession figures around the 50th percentile for his career.
“Defenses don’t tend to fear him as a scoring threat in those situations, but he can change that by making quicker decisions and proving he can generate shots for himself in one-on-one situations.
“More consistent three-point shooting will paper over some of his athletic limitations as well, and it’s encouraging to note that he found his stroke as last season went on. A frigid start gave way to 43.8 percent shooting from deep after the All-Star break.”
The Warriors need Podziemski to help raise the team’s ceiling. Future Hall of Famers Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green are known commodities with little room for growth. Key veterans like Al Horford and Moody will certainly provide solid, consistent minutes, but aren’t likely to make a breakthrough.
Room to Grow for Podziemski
Podziemski is a true potential difference maker, especially if he grows on the ball offensively and shoots the ball at a good clip through the entire season.
His defense and motor are already good, but his shot creation, especially on a team with players in the latter half of their prime, could help lessen the burden on the veterans and preserve them for the playoffs.
A team with Curry and Butler will compete and make the playoffs regularly, but pieces like Podziemski taking another step in their development would provide hope for a deep run in the summer.
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