The Golden State Warriors officially exercised the fourth-year option on guard Brandin Podziemski, solidifying the rising guard’s place in the franchise’s long-term plans.
The 22-year-old has appeared in five games this season, including three starts, averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 29.6 minutes. Originally drafted 19th overall in 2023, Podziemski earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and quickly became a fan favorite for his hustle and confidence.
Podziemski’s Rising Role and Ambition
Podziemski has made no secret of his ambition to carry the Warriors into their next era once Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler eventually pass the torch.
“When they leave this thing, they’ve got to leave it with somebody,” Podziemski told The Athletic. “How can I have their trust? They can go to [owner] Joe [Lacob] and [GM] Mike [Dunleavy] and say, ‘Hey, we want to leave it with him.’”
He added that being that successor takes more than skill. “There are a lot of other things than just talent you need to be in that position,” he said.
The Warriors clearly agree. Owner Joe Lacob has publicly called Podziemski a “future All-Star,” while coach Steve Kerr often refers to him as the team’s “connector” — the guard who balances the floor and keeps ball movement steady.
“I want to be a third option for this team,” Podziemski said. “I want to be a guy where Steph and Jimmy are out, they can rely on me to help win games.”
Warriors Veteran Endorses Podziemski’s Confidence
Green, a four-time All-Star, said he appreciates Podziemski’s confidence but reminded him that leadership in Golden State comes with pressure.
“You’re worried a little more when someone struggles with confidence,” Green said . “With BP, you appreciate the respect. You hope the young guys that come in respect you, because if they do, there’s so much we can give.”
Green said both he and Curry care deeply about leaving the franchise in the right hands.
“Steph and myself — we care about the organization. We don’t just care about this year for us. We’re tied to this thing forever,” he said. “When I’m 45, I don’t want to come watch some sorry team play. I want to come when it’s jumpin’ — that matters.”
Still, Green urged Podziemski to balance ambition with patience. “Be careful. Don’t tell people too much, because the more you tell people, the more they use it against you,” he said. “We all believe he’s going to be one of the guys who takes the torch. But the moment you have a bad game, that’s when it turns.”
Earning His Time in a Loaded Lineup
While Podziemski is currently Golden State’s fourth-leading scorer behind Curry (27.0 ppg), Butler (21.4 ppg), and Jonathan Kuminga (16.2 ppg), his versatility has allowed Kerr to deploy him interchangeably as a starter and sixth man.
“He’ll be that, no question,” Green said. “But it ain’t his time yet. He’ll continue to grow and walk right into it, but don’t force it. This offense isn’t built for him to take over — it’s built for him to be aggressive, not to take over.”
For now, the Warriors see Podziemski as the bridge between their championship core and their future.
“Be a kid as long as you can, because then you’ve got bills ,” Green joked. “Stay in that spot as long as you can, because so much more comes with it when you get to the place you want to go.”
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