4 Warriors who need to play more, 3 that should get less run
By Tyler Watts
More playing time: Brandin Podziemski
The rookie has played over 28 minutes five times this season. In those games, he averaged 14.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Podziemski has scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in all but one of those contests. If he averaged those numbers over the full season, he would be tied for second in rebounding and fourth in scoring for the Warriors.
Contending teams counting on rookies to produce rarely ends well, but the 20-year-old deserves a shot. He is shooting 41.3 percent on his first 46 3-point attempts along with rebounding well and making a few plays. His minutes and production continue to climb, and Podziemski should be getting at least 25 a night at this stage.
The Warriors have played 24 games. 29.2 percent of the regular season is over, and the Dubs cannot afford to wait any longer. They are already three games out of the final Play-In Tournament spot and 4.5 back of sixth in the West. There is a ton of talent in the conference, and the Warriors cannot afford to let games slip away.
Brandin Podziemski was an elite shooter and rebounder in college for a 6’5 wing. He has translated those skills to the NBA in a limited sample. The Dubs need floor spacers around Stephen Curry, and it is time to see what the rookie can do in a consistent role.