General Managers reveal Golden State Warriors rookie as a steal of the NBA Draft

Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski produced an impressive display in his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, not that it will come as a surprise to some of the league’s best basketball minds.

In NBA.com’s recent General Manager survey, the 20-year-old guard was picked as one of the biggest steals in June’s 2023 NBA Draft.

Despite entering a win-now situation at the Golden State Warriors, Brandin Podziemski has a major chance to outperform his position as the 19th overall pick.

Podziemski placed fifth with 7% of the vote, ironically sitting behind a number of players taken around his draft range. Cam Whitmore was voted as the biggest steal, with Golden State having had the opportunity to take the athletic forward before he went pick 20 to the Houston Rockets.

Three players were tied second with 10% of the vote, including Jaime Jacquez Jr. who was taken the pick before Podziemski by the Miami Heat. Scott Henderson (third overall) and Keyonte George (16th overall) were the other two players.

After an up-and-down Summer League where he excited with his playmaking but struggled shooting the ball, Podziemski was one of the highlights in Golden State’s 125-108 victory over the Lakers.

The 6’4″ guard ran the Warrior second-unit effectively, posting 11 points, six rebounds and four assists in a team-high 26 minutes. While Podziemski may remain behind the eight ball to earn a genuine rotation spot, he’ll certainly get his opportunities to persuade Steve Kerr over the remainder of the preseason.

Golden State will be hoping they also have a steal in 57th overall pick Trayce Jackson-Davis, with the franchise acquiring the 23-year-old in a draft night trade with the Washington Wizards.

The Warriors will play the Lakers again in Los Angeles on Friday, beginning a four-game span in seven days which also includes two matchups against the Sacramento Kings and another against the San Antonio Spurs.