Golden State Warriors' rookie recognized for recent high level of play

Golden State Warriors' rookie Brandin Podziemski has been recognized for his recent high level of play, earning a spot in NBA.com's 'Kia Rookie Ladder' for the first time this season.

Podziemski has gained plaudits from Warrior teammates and fans for much of the early part of the season, having played a regular role in Steve Kerr's rotation for most of the past 15 games.

With greater playing time for the Golden State Warriors over recent games, Brandin Podziemski continues to emerge as one of the steals of the 2023 NBA Draft

With guards Chris Paul and Gary Payton II out for two games against the LA Clippers last week, Kerr turned to Podziemski for heavy minutes that included closing both games alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Moses Moody and Draymond Green.

The 19th overall pick played over 31 minutes in the first matchup last Thursday, recording 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists. He backed that up with 12 points, six rebounds and three assists on Saturday, finishing the two games as a combined +13 in plus-minus.

Podziemski was more subdued in Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he still played over 21 minutes which was more than the returning Paul. He finished with three points, five rebounds and an assist, including a deep step-back three over Portland center Duop Reath.

Podziemski's ranks 10th in NBA.com's most recent Rookie Ladder, providing nice recognition for his performances and standing among the 2023 draft class. It's a 2022 draft pick, Chet Holmgren, who tops the list, with the Oklahoma City Thunder big man having missed all of last season due to injury.

Holmgren's highlights include a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Warriors that forced overtime in a game last month. He and Miami Heat guard Jaime Jacquez Jr. recently won Rookie of the Month in the respective conferences for November.

Jacquez ranks fourth on the rookie ladder behind Holmgren, number one overall pick Victor Wembanyama and second overall pick Brandon Miller. Ausar Thompson, Keyonte George, Jordan Hawkins, Dereck Lively II and Cason Wallace also sit above Podziemski.