Much of the Golden State Warriors' offseason has been under the spotlight because of their lack of movement and roster improvement. One player who has taken the brunt of the criticism is young guard Brandin Podziemski. With a rookie contract extension deadline looming, his name is once again in the spotlight.
On a recent episode of Gil’s Arena, former Warriors Gilbert Arenas and DeMarcus Cousins didn’t hold back when discussing the decision to keep Podziemski over Klay Thompson. Arenas started the conversation by saying, “Who is Podziemski sleeping with, bruh?” implying that Podziemski must “know somebody or know something.”
Former Warriors don't hold back in criticism of Brandin Podziemski
This was followed by Cousins saying, “When I played for the Warriors, I didn’t get that much of a leash.” Arenas continued by claiming Podziemski doesn’t play defense, while Cousins stated that “he’s not a game changer.” Former NBA guard Danny Green was a little less harsh, calling Podziemski a “solid role player.”
Say what you want about Podziemski and whether he is due a new contract, but the fact is that he has been a solid role player on a rookie contract, compared to Thompson who was making $43 million during his final season with the franchise.
Not to mention, Thompson's split from the Warriors was ultimately amicable and much more complicated than simply choosing between he and Podziemski. Thompson's stint in Dallas didn't go to plan either, and he now finds himself on the newly constructed Miami Heat.
Last season, Podziemski played in all 82 games while averaging nearly 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. At only 23, there's no telling what he could become, and his durability, hustle, and continued improvement are exactly what the Warriors need this upcoming season.
Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard hinted that the parameters for a Podziemski extension are still wide, with the ceiling potentially looking something like Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun’s five-year, $125 million extension. However, it could also come in on the lower end at around $15 million per year.
Golden State has until October 19 to finalize an extension, and the eventual number will go a long way toward determining the expectations for Podziemski moving forward. If the Warriors pay him like a major piece of their future, the criticism surrounding his ceiling becomes much more relevant. But if they pay him like the solid, improving role player he has already proven to be, maybe being a “solid role player” isn't much of an insult at all.
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