When the Golden State Warriors selected their nineteenth overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft, the hoop enthusiasts weren’t too excited about Brandin Podziemski. However, he changed their notion with his hard work throughout the 2023-2024 season and earned a spot in the NBA’s All-Rookie first team.
Impressed with the rookie’s achievement, the franchise’s veteran Draymond Green congratulated him for his big step in the league. Greeting Brandin during the gym session, Green said, “That’s big time, my brother. Well deserved.”
The 21-year-old found his place in a pool of super-talented players like Spurs’ ROTY Victor Wembanyama, OKC’s Chet Holmgren, Hornets’ Brandon Miller, and Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. Brandin became the only rookie in the Golden States history to garner the honor of getting into the First Team after Eric Paschall (2019-20).
“Being the 19th pick in an organization where not a lot of rookies get to play and ending up All-Rookie is a credit to my work ethic but also to my teammates and the coaches and front office for providing an opportunity,” said the former Illinois guard.
Despite his mid-level drafting position, Brandin turned out to be an integral part of the Warriors team, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in his 74 appearances. With him present on the court, the team succeeded in outscoring their competitors by 264 points.
Following the success, Brandin revealed the motivation that helped him to push his boundaries and strive for more in the Blue and Golden Yellow colors.
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Brandin Podziemski Explains His Motivation for Warriors Rise
Brandin Podziemski did not have it easy during his time on the Illinois Fighting Illini (2021-2022) when his coach Brad Underwood benched him for the majority of the games.
Talking about his rough college experience, Brandin said, “It gave me a chip on my shoulder because the first couple games I didn’t play, I really questioned my ability, was I good enough to play? I really had to think about that, if it was really something I wanted to do, to push through it. I did because I love the game.”
The 6-foot-4 guard then moved to Santa Clara University and finally landed at one of the successful franchises in the NBA, displaying his potential. Brandin would certainly utilize the season’s break to sharpen his skills for the upcoming campaign.
Also Read: TNT Adds Draymond Green to “Inside the NBA” Lineup for Western Conference Finals
