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Brandin Podziemski: The Mindset of a Rising Star
Mar
Warriors’ Rising Star Reflects on First Major NBA Accolade and Desire for Many More
Versatile combo guard Brandin Podziemski is set to represent the Warriors in the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Game, marking the franchise’s fifth representative in the last five years. Podziemski, who has participated in 47 games with 14 starts, showcases impressive averages of 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Notably, he holds the highest plus-minus of any Warrior this season, boasting a staggering +168.
As a well-rounded player, Podziemski ranks among the top five rookies in double-doubles, securing the fourth spot with six double-doubles. Additionally, he stands out as the only rookie this season to achieve 14 assists and zero turnovers in a single game.
What has distinguished Podziemski early on is his peers’ observation of an ‘irrational confidence’ that he brought from Day 1. The rookie attributes this confidence to the upbringing in a competitive family where winning was not handed to him.
“Being in a family where they don’t let me win at anything growing up and being so competitive, that’s where it stems from,” Podziemski explained. “The confidence of knowing what you put into it and trusting that and not always looking at the output of results.”
Podziemski attributes his mental edge over opponents to his strong self-confidence, enabling him to intuitively sense when a player on the court exudes confidence. Despite being a rookie surrounded by multiple Hall-of-Famers on a seasoned team, Podziemski maintained a belief in his own abilities and quickly earned the trust of both players and coaches.
Avoiding the pitfall of being starstruck, Podziemski emphasized the importance of staying focused on the game and relieving the burden on his more experienced teammates. According to him, it’s about executing the fundamentals and making the right plays to contribute to the team’s success.
In his role as a combo guard with significant floor general and playmaking responsibilities, Podziemski had the unique opportunity to learn from two of the greatest players to ever occupy the same position—Chris Paul and his personal favorite, Stephen Curry.
Reflecting on the advantage of playing alongside Curry, Podziemski noted, “It’s been a big advantage. We’re somewhat similar, but we play so differently. To be able to incorporate mental aspects from his game into my own skill set will undoubtedly benefit me in the long run.”
During two standout games in Podziemski’s budding career, Curry had the chance to witness and support the rookie from the sidelines as he excelled in the lead guard role. One notable instance occurred during the In-Season Tournament against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 14, where Podziemski delivered his first-ever double-digit scoring game, recording a team-high 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting, along with seven rebounds and five assists in 39 minutes.
