Podziemski and Warriors Aim High for Guard's Sophomore Season

Podziemski, Warriors aim high for guard's second year

Brandin Podziemski’s goals for his sophomore NBA season are set – and they can be considered lofty.

Following a captivating All-Rookie campaign in his first NBA season, Podziemski’s trade value soared as opposing teams included his name in a potential trade package in the Warriors' pursuit of one of its top two offseason targets.

That offer were quickly turned down by general manager Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob, who has insisted on Podziemski's undeniable “All-Star” potential.

Now, as the season approaches, Podziemski spoke to The Athletic's Anthony Slater about his strategy to become an All-Star, which was heavily influenced by an exit interview he had with coach Steve Kerr and Dunleavy in April.

“A big focus for them was me shooting more 3s,” Podziemski told Slater. “I don’t know what I shot, but I shot a pretty good percentage. I just didn’t get up enough attempts.”

Known for his adaptability in Kerr’s schemes, 3-point shooting isn’t necessarily one of Podziemski’s standout strengths, despite finishing fourth-best in the category for the Warriors last season.

Podziemski shot 38.5 percent from beyond the arc despite only taking 3.2  per game, which will have to change – significantly – next season.

“They want me to take anywhere (from) eight to 10 per game. That’s what they told me,” Podziemski said. “All different types: off dribble handoffs, off ball screens, catch-and-shoot.”

With Klay Thompson and Chris Paul out of the equation, the Warriors brass are expecting the second-year guard to match Steph Curry, Luka Dončić and Thompson's output as the league’s only three players to get up more than nine 3-pointers per game last season.

As difficult as it sounds, Podziemski believes it can be done.

“I think I can get to that amount,” Podziemski added. “The reason they said that is because I’d be watching film last season after every game, and it’s always on there: Missed 3-point opportunity that I didn’t take.

“There were a good two to four each game that I passed up. If you look at that, it’s a good five to seven per game I could’ve got up.

“Now with Klay being gone, Chris (Paul) being gone, someone is going to have to handle the ball a little bit more. I think I’m more than capable of doing that. Given that, I think it leads me to have more 3s.”

With Golden State missing out on adding a big-name star to accompany Steph Curry this offseason, Podziemski’s improvements will have to be well-rounded.

“Taking the hook shot and the floater out of my game,” Podziemski concluded. “Then implementing jump shots in the paint. Midrange.

“I went back with my trainers and looked at a bunch of missed opportunities where either I went into trouble into a big or I passed up a midrange and I wasn’t as comfortable taking it. Now I feel like I’ve made that leap.”

The goal is a first-time All-Star nod next season after all.

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