High expectations were set for Golden State Warriors’ fast-rising star Brandin Podziemski when they kept him out of the Lauri Markkanen trade talks.
It went sky-high when Warriors owner Joe Lacob boldly declared, ” We’ve got a future All-Star” in Podziemski.
So, it came as a surprise when De’Anthony Melton got the start over Podziemski during the Warriors’ 91-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in their preseason opener on October 5.
“I don’t mind it,” Podziemski said, per NBC Sports Bay Area. “Whoever I’m with, starting or coming off the bench, for me, I just want to finish games and be where the most important plays are made. If I’m starting, if I’m coming off the bench, it really doesn’t matter. I take pride in leading the second group.”
Podziemski played the Sixth man role in the tight win, but he struggled with his shot. He missed eight of his nine shots from the field, finishing with only four points. Despite his shooting struggles, he still made a huge impact.
Podziemski led the Warriors with four assists while adding five rebounds and two steals against only one turnover in 19 minutes. The Warriors outscored the Clippers by five when Podziemski was on the floor.