The Golden State Warriors have a fearsome trio of players in Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, but for them to really get to the promised land like they used to, they will need help from some of their younger players.
Chief among them is third-year guard Brandin Podziemski. Like any other young player, Podziemski has his warts. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr delved into what he thinks Podziemski must work on to take it to another level.
What Does Brandin Podziemski Have to Work on to Help the Warriors?
While talking with reporters, Kerr revealed Podziemski’s fatal flaw as a player when he’s on the floor.
“He’s got to get off the ball early,” Kerr told reporters, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “When he gets into trouble is when he tries too hard to make plays on his own instead of doing what is best, which is to move the ball and be part of a five-man group that is really executing.”
Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga: “I’m really urging for him to get up the floor instead of holding back and asking for the ball.”
Kerr on Brandin Podziemski: “He’s got to get off the ball early. When he gets into trouble is when he tries too hard to make plays on his own.” pic.twitter.com/H8aOSRrLcP
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 6, 2025
Podziemski’s numbers with the Warriors aren’t too shabby for a third-year player. In 23 games, he averaged 12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 43.6% from the field and 37.8% from 3. By all accounts, that’s not bad for a rotation player, but Golden State held onto Podziemski, believing he was going to be special long term.
It’s why they decided not to trade him for Lauri Markkanen back when they had the chance. If Podziemski does not take that leap, that decision will look poor in hindsight. It appears that his problem is not his talent but rather how he can fit in next to his Warriors teammates.
It wouldn’t be such a problem if it weren’t for the fact that no one knows how much longer the Warriors can maintain their elite level of play. They started the season well, but injuries have caused them to falter, which is a common occurrence among previous title contenders as they age. Even if the talent is still there, the stars getting older makes them more susceptible to injuries.
That’s where Podziemski’s development is crucial. Some aging contenders have seen their window of opportunity extended because their young talent’s development has made up for the decline of their stars. Think of the Boston Celtics when they had the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. All three were about to start their decline when they joined forces. What kept the team relevant even as they aged was Rajon Rondo’s emergence as a star.
It would be asking too much of Podziemski to expect him to become a star, but he must be better to make up for what Golden State is losing.
