Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Golden State Warriors will need several key players to make a big leap, but perhaps none more than Brandin Podziemski.
Significant injuries to players like Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody open the door for guys to step up.
Warriors fans have long criticized Podziemski for streaky performances; however, this season, Golden State will need him more than ever.
Starting on the Right Foot
Podziemski will become a restricted free agent in 2027, meaning he should have extra fuel to show out this season.
The 23-year-old must start the season strong, which has been an issue for him in past seasons. His stats before and after All-Star break over the last two years highlight a stark contrast in play.
Last season, Podziemski averaged 12.0 points pre-All-Star and 17.5 points following the break.
In 2024-25, the disparity between the two phases was even more glaring. Not only did his scoring increase, but so did his efficiency.
He upped his scoring from 9.7 points to 15.5, ballooning his three-point shooting from a measly 32.0% to a stellar 43.8%.
The Warriors can not afford for Podziemski to struggle during the beginning of the season. Sluggish starts have historically killed Golden State, a team that already has an uphill climb.
An overlooked area to keep an eye out for is his free-throw shooting. There were a handful of crucial moments last season where Podziemski struggled to knock down foul shots—specifically in the clutch.
He has hovered in the upper 70% over the last two regular seasons after shooting 63.3% his rookie year. As a guard, if Podziemski can consistently lurk in the 80s, he will give the Warriors a stronger chance to finish out close games.
Fourth-Year Leap from Brandin Podziemski
Whether or not Steve Kerr starts him remains to be seen. But his two-way ability to defend and shoot may make it difficult for Kerr to bench him. That decision may ultimately come down to how well he starts the season. With guards like De’Anthony Melton and Brandon Williams, Kerr can mix up lineups and rotate Podziemski as a starter. Podziemski’s productivity has been essential to Golden State.
He shot 39.4% from beyond the arc and 48.0% from the field in the team’s 37 wins last season, contrasted with 35.0% from three and 43.5% from the field in their 45 losses.
He is the most experienced of the active young guys, having played alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for multiple years. Going into his fourth season with the organization, there is growth expected from him that exceeds that of a Will Richard or Brandon Williams.
Time to Prove Himself
Podziemski infamously sought out the responsibility of carrying the torch after the Stephen Curry era fades. His presumptuous comments will need to be backed up by his play before any discussions of that become reality.
Leading the Warriors franchise forward is no easy task. Podziemski hasn’t shown he can do that yet.
But delivering a strong upcoming season will be a step in the right direction—and a valuable boost for the Golden State Warriors.
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