Warriors’ second-round pick could solve a problem that haunted them last season…
NBA Summer League isn’t about staring at box scores and making concrete judgments on players after a few games with teammates they aren’t familiar with and in a brand-new system. There’s a mishmash of talent on the court between top draft picks, second-round picks and undrafted players trying to prove themselves, all while veteran journeymen still are vying to show they belong in the league.
Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski looked overmatched at times a year ago in Las Vegas, as well as during the California Classic. Golden State’s top draft pick wasn’t hitting shots, and didn’t appear to be close to an All-Rookie First Team selection. Another example of not putting too much stock into summer league was made obvious for all the intangibles the Santa Clara product brings to the court.
Podziemski’s second summer on the exhibition circuit didn’t last long, and it didn’t have to. The top request from Steve Kerr and his coaching staff for him, as well as voices from the top of the front office, was put to the test by the 21-year-old.
Podziemski has to be a 3-point threat, whether he’s starting alongside Steph Curry or coming off the bench. Between two games in Las Vegas and one at Chase Center for the California Classic, he didn’t show any hesitation beyond the arc.
And each game Podziemski improved as a 3-point shooter this summer.
After being part of the USA Select Team and playing three summer league games, Podziemski will not play any more games for the Warriors in Las Vegas. He stuffed the box score in his final game, a 92-83 win against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, that improved Golden State’s summer league record to a perfect 5-0.
