Brandon Podziemski, Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors guard speaks on the increased role he has in the absence of Stephen Curry.
In the midst of Stephen Curry being sidelined due to a runner’s knee in his right leg, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has seen an increased role.
Over the past two months, Podziemski has attempted to fill the role of the greatest shooter of all time. There have been good highs and ugly lows for the 23-year-old.
The San Francisco Standard’s Danny Emerman asked Podziemski about what he’s taken from this new opportunity. He replied, saying, “(That) I can do it.”
His confidence is exactly what the Warriors need, especially after being dealt unfortunate injuries throughout the 2025-26 season. However, it’s still a work in progress.
Steve Kerr Comments on Brandin Podziemski Filling in for Stephen Curry
For a young prospect to help fill a large role that’s left by one of the greatest players ever, it’s been a learning process. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believes that it’s been beneficial to Brandin Podziemski.
“I think where he is in his career, he’s proven he can help drive winning. I think that’s been apparent,” Kerr said. “He is, in my mind, really exploring how good he can become and what type of player he wants to become. And I think you’ve seen lots of hiccups along the way, where he’s trying things that aren’t working, but playing without Steph for 20 games is going to expose some of that.”
Kerr also explained where the 23-year-old excels in the midst of his third NBA season.
“So in my mind right now, where he is: if he’s playing off of Steph, off of the ball, if he’s playing more of a secondary ball-handler role, he’s really good,” the Warriors head coach added. “He does a lot of things that a lot of players don’t do. He’s got a knack. When he tries to be too on-ball, you see him get into some trouble. You see the warts.”
Brandon Podziemski’s Highs and Lows During Stephen Curry’s Absence
Over the last few months, Podziemski’s play has been highlighted by a back-to-back 15-rebound double-doubles in a win over the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 22 and a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 24. Podziemski has also added three 25-plus point games in March, but has yet to get over the 30-point threshold in his career.
Some tough-to-watch displays have also taken place. Most recently, Podziemski struggled in Saturday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks. In 24 minutes, he finished with five points, one assist, and three turnovers while shooting 2-6 from the field.
Although Podziemski’s production hasn’t resulted in winning games, he’s made progress in every season of his career. In 71 games (32 starts) this season, Podziemski is averaging career highs in points (12.8) and minutes (28.1) per game. It’s also worth noting that he’s remained healthy, playing in all 71 games for Golden State this season.
Health is something that the Warriors have struggled with this season. Jimmy Butler III has been out since mid-January after undergoing season-ending ACL surgery, and Stephen Curry has missed 21 straight while dealing with runner’s knee.
The health status of the Warriors’ roster has been the main theme this season, and their record proves that. Golden State currently sits as the final team in the Play-In with a 33-38 record. Since Stephen Curry has been on the sidelines, the Warriors have a 6-15 record.