Brandin Podziemski may not have been the biggest name entering the NBA, but he’s quickly proving that he belongs—and more. With his high basketball IQ, tough defense, and confidence beyond his years, Podziemski is becoming one of the most exciting young players to watch.
From his college breakout season to earning meaningful minutes in the NBA, Podziemski’s journey is all about proving people wrong and showing what hard work and heart can really do. In this article, we’ll break down his path, his playing style, and why the league should be paying close attention to him.
A Quick Look at His Background
Brandin Podziemski was born on February 25, 2003, in Greenfield, Wisconsin. He started gaining attention in high school for his shooting and court vision, eventually earning Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball title in 2021.
While he began his college career at Illinois, he transferred to Santa Clara University for more playing time—and that decision changed everything. At Santa Clara, Podziemski exploded into one of the top guards in the country. He averaged over 19 points per game and became one of the most complete players in college basketball.
His quick rise and strong stats helped him enter the 2023 NBA Draft with momentum.
Drafted by the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors selected Podziemski with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Many fans were unsure at first. Could he really fit into a team built around stars like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green?
It didn’t take long for the answer to come: yes.
Podziemski’s smart decision-making and hustle stood out immediately. He looked comfortable in the Warriors’ system—making the extra pass, defending hard, and hitting open shots. In a team known for ball movement and shooting, Podziemski fit right in.
Strengths That Make Him Special
What makes Brandin Podziemski stand out in today’s NBA? He doesn’t wow you with flashy dunks or freakish athleticism. Instead, he plays smart, hard, and with purpose.
1. Basketball IQ
Podziemski always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Whether it’s making a timely steal, helping on defense, or finding an open teammate, he reads the game like a veteran.
2. Rebounding Guard
Despite being just 6’5″, he’s a surprisingly strong rebounder—especially for a guard. During his college season, he averaged over 8 rebounds per game, and he’s continued to crash the glass in the NBA.
3. Confidence
Podziemski doesn’t back down, even when matched up against star players. He plays with a calm confidence that’s rare in rookies.
4. Team-First Mindset
He’s not chasing stats—he’s focused on winning. Coaches love him because he plays the right way, makes smart plays, and never stops hustling.
Rookie Moments That Turned Heads
In his first season with the Warriors, Podziemski had several games that showed just how good he could be.
In one early matchup, he nearly posted a triple-double, grabbing rebounds, scoring in transition, and making defensive stops. In another, he calmly hit clutch free throws to help seal a win—earning praise from both teammates and fans.
Even Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Podziemski plays like someone who’s been in the league for years.
Learning from the Best
One of the biggest advantages for Brandin Podziemski is getting to learn from some of the game’s greats. Playing alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson gives him a front-row seat to elite shooting and movement. Practicing under Steve Kerr, a championship coach, helps him grow faster than most young players.
And it’s showing. He picks up on small details, improves quickly, and plays with maturity. Podziemski is soaking up everything around him—and putting it into action on the court.
Off the Court
Outside of basketball, Podziemski comes across as focused and humble. He’s not flashy on social media and prefers to let his play do the talking. His blue-collar attitude reflects his Midwestern roots and strong work ethic.
He’s also spoken about using his platform to inspire young athletes who don’t get much attention early on. His message? Keep working, stay patient, and trust your talent.
What’s Next?
As the season continues, Brandin Podziemski is earning more minutes and more trust from the Warriors. While he may not always fill the stat sheet, his impact on the game is clear.
If he keeps improving at this pace, he could be a key part of Golden State’s future—or a young star who builds his own legacy.
Either way, it’s clear that Brandin Podziemski is here to stay.
Final Thoughts
In a league full of athletic giants and highlight-reel stars, Brandin Podziemski is a refreshing throwback: a smart, unselfish player who plays hard and plays to win. His path hasn’t always been easy, but his heart, effort, and skill have brought him to the NBA—and he’s making the most of it.
For fans who love basketball done the right way, keep an eye on Podziemski. His rise has just begun.
Also read – Jimmer Fredette’s Basketball Journey from BYU Star to Global Icon
