Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Warriors
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Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the first half against the Indiana Pacers.
The Golden State Warriors are facing early-season turbulence after a 4–1 start fizzled into a 6–6 record, and the tension inside the locker room is beginning to surface. At the center of the unrest is third-year guard Brandin Podziemski, whose bold public comments about Stephen Curry and the franchise’s future have reportedly rubbed several teammates the wrong way.
Draymond Green Hints at Internal Agendas Amid Warriors’ Struggles
Following the Warriors’ 126–102 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, veteran forward and team emotional anchor Draymond Green offered a telling assessment of the team’s chemistry.
“I think everyone has a personal agenda in this league,” Green said. “But you have to make those personal agendas work within the team confines. If it doesn’t work, you kind of got to get rid of your agenda or eventually the agenda is the cause of someone getting rid of you.”
Green’s comments, though broad, were interpreted around the league as a subtle reference to rising internal friction — and, according to multiple reports, Podziemski’s preseason remarks have played a role.
Podziemski’s ‘Better Than Curry’ Comment Created Early Tension
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Podziemski raised eyebrows within the organization after repeatedly speaking on his long-term ambitions, including one comment about wanting to surpass Curry, the franchise cornerstone and four-time NBA champion.
“Podziemski made a number of comments in the lead-up to the season about his long-term career ambitions,” Slater wrote in the aftermath of the Warriors’ loss to the Thunder. “Including a news conference answer to a question about whether he wanted to be as great as Steph Curry. Podziemski said he ‘wants to be better than him,’ an answer that elicited some eyerolls and continued references from several within the organization.”
The 22-year-old guard, who is averaging 12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, is developing steadily — but remains in a limited role behind Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Podziemski Doubles Down: ‘When They Leave, They’ve Got to Leave It With Somebody’
Podziemski didn’t stop there. In an October interview with The Athletic, Podziemski boldly expressed his desire to become the Warriors’ next franchise leader.
“When they leave this thing, they’ve got to leave it with somebody,” Podziemski told The Athletic. “How can I have their trust? And they can go to Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy and be like, ‘Hey, we want to leave it with him.’”
While ambitious, the comment was viewed internally as premature — and provided fodder for veterans concerned about the young guard taking on too much too soon.
Draymond Green Issues Warning to Podziemski
Green, never shy about speaking his mind, addressed Podziemski directly — urging him to be careful with how much he reveals publicly.
“Be careful. Don’t tell people too much, because the more you tell people, the more they use it against you,” Green later warned. “We all believe he’s going to be one of the guys who takes the torch. But the moment you have a bad game, that’s when it turns.”
Green emphasized that young players haven’t yet absorbed the full weight of the criticism that comes with being the face of a franchise.
“When things go wrong, they don’t get crushed — we get crushed,” he said. “When you first start going through that, that’s different. I don’t want him to experience that before he has to.”
Green Says Leadership Must Come Naturally
Green reiterated that Podziemski’s moment will come, but the team’s system and hierarchy aren’t designed for him to lead yet.
“He’ll be that, no question,” Green said. “But it ain’t his time yet. He doesn’t even have the opportunity to be that yet. This offense isn’t built for him to take over — it’s built for him to be aggressive, not to take over.”
Green compared the situation to his mother’s wisdom: “Be a kid as long as you can, because then you’ve got bills.”
“Stay in that spot as long as you can,” he continued, “because so much more comes with it when you get to the place you want to go.”
Warriors Searching for Stability as Pressure Mounts
The Warriors’ uneven start — combined with Curry’s recent flu-related absence and rotational questions around veteran additions — has magnified every internal misstep. As Golden State attempts to regain its footing in a tough Western Conference, ensuring locker room alignment may be as crucial as on-court adjustments.
For now, the Warriors need Podziemski to grow on the court — and perhaps speak a little less off it.