Brandin Podziemski, also known as "Podz," is an emerging star for the Golden State Warriors. He is of Polish heritage and has also shown a desire to obtain Polish citizenship to represent Poland on the national stage. Born on February 25, 2003, in Greenfield, Wisconsin, Podziemski played at the University of Illinois in the 2021–2022 season, and played only 16 games off the bench, while averaging only 1.4 points per game due to limited opportunities. Seeking more playing time, he entered the transfer portal and joined Santa Clara for the 2022–2023 season. In Santa Clara's season opener against Eastern Washington, Podziemski made a statement by scoring 30 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and recording five steals. Over the regular season, Podziemski was named WCC co-Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Drew Timme from Gonzaga. He also earned NABC First Team, USBWA All-District, and All-WCC First Team selections. Podziemski’s 636 points ranked fourth in a single season in Santa Clara program history, and his 43.8% three-point shooting percentage was the fourth-best ever recorded at Santa Clara.
Eventually, Brandin Podziemski was drafted 19th overall in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 26.6 minutes per game, shooting 45.4% from the field and an impressive 38.5% from three. Podziemski’s breakout moments came in December 2023 when he became the first Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry to record over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a game. Despite trade rumors during the 2024 offseason, the Warriors ultimately decided to retain Podziemski, showing faith in his potential to be a cornerstone of the team’s future.
Brandin Podziemski’s Injury History
Brandin Podziemski’s short NBA career has mostly remained injury-free with only minor setbacks. Here’s a look at the few incidents that affected his availability as per Fox Sports:
Injuries Brandin Podziemski Sustained in the NBA
Illess (November 2024)
On November 4, 2024, Brandin Podziemski left a game against the Washington Wizards after playing just 13 minutes due to an undisclosed illness as per Basketball Reference. This illness prevented him from suiting up for the Warriors' subsequent game against the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.
Right knee soreness (March 2024)
In early March 2024, Podziemski experienced right knee soreness, prompting the Warriors to rest him against the Toronto Raptors on March 1 as per Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Although this was not a serious injury, the soreness also caused him to miss a March 3 game against the Boston Celtics, a game where the Warriors struggled, suffering a significant loss. Podziemski's knee soreness resolved quickly, and he returned to action soon after.
Broken Nose (October 2024)
In a 2024 preseason game against the Detroit Pistons on October 15, 2024, Podziemski broke his nose as per NBC Sports Bay Area. He missed one preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, this injury was not severe enough to miss any more games as Podziemski started wearing a facemask and returned to the Warriors' lineup at the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season.
FAQs on Brandin Podziemski
A. Brandin Podziemski is earning a salary of $3,519,960 for the 2024/25 NBA season as per Spotrac.
A. Brandin Podziemski plays as a combo guard. He can operate both as a point guard and shooting guard.
A. Brandin Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 74 games in the 2023/24 NBA season.
A. Brandin Podziemski wears the #2 jersey for the Golden State Warriors.
A. Brandin Podziemski’s NBA 2k25 rating is 78.
