In a league where young talent can make or break a franchise’s future, the Golden State Warriors are doubling down on Brandin Podziemski. On Thursday afternoon, the team exercised its fourth-year option on the promising guard, securing his spot through the 2026-27 season at a modest $5.6 million salary. It’s a move that signals unwavering faith in the 22-year-old, but with sky-high expectations and a slow start to the season, the question lingers: Is this a brilliant investment in potential, or a risky bet that could backfire?
Podziemski burst onto the scene last year, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and becoming just the 19th player in Warriors history to claim that distinction. Over his first two seasons, he’s suited up for 143 games (including 64 starts), posting solid averages of 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and one steal per game in 26.8 minutes of action. Those numbers paint the picture of a versatile contributor who’s already carving out a role on a championship-caliber squad.
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But entering his third year, Podziemski’s production has yet to fully ignite. Through five games, he’s averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 29.6 minutes per contest. While the stats show flashes of brilliance, head coach Steve Kerr admits the young guard isn’t firing on all cylinders just yet. “He’s not at his best right now,” Kerr noted. “Brandin always wants to be great. Sometimes he just needs to relax and be good, and that’s when his play becomes great.” Kerr’s words reflect a coach who’s seen it all, betting on Podziemski’s mental resilience to turn things around.
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The pressure is self-imposed for Podziemski, who spent the offseason setting audacious goals. While team success remains his top priority, he didn’t shy away from aiming for the stars—literally comparing himself to the Warriors’ legendary cornerstone. “I want to be better than (Steph Curry),” he declared, fully aware of the enormity of that ambition. “That’s a tall task, but I want to maximize my talent in the league and get as much out of it as I can.”
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Podziemski knows the road to surpassing a four-time champion and two-time MVP is paved with challenges, but he’s embracing the heat. “To be honest, not everybody wants to be as great as Steph Curry,” he reflected. “Some people say it, but not everybody wants to. It’s: ‘How can you find that balance of what you want to do? And be as great as you can be?'” This mindset could be the spark that propels him forward—or the weight that holds him back. For now, he’s got the ultimate mentor in Curry to guide him through the process.
The next chapter unfolds soon, as Podziemski and the Warriors face off against the Milwaukee Bucks in their sixth game of the season. Tipoff from Fiserv Forum is slated for 8 p.m.