Brandin Podziemski's Rookie Heist Story

Brandin Podziemski

'The Rookie Heist: How Brandin Podziemski Stole the Warriors’ Spotlight'

By [Your Name]

Prologue: The Perfect Crime

Every great heist starts with a mark. For Brandin Podziemski, the Golden State Warriors—a dynasty still clinging to its championship aura—were the ultimate target. The 2023 NBA Draft was his opening.

Selected 19th overall, Podziemski wasn’t supposed to be the story. Not with Steph Curry still reigning, not with Klay Thompson’s redemption arc, not with Draymond Green’s chaos. But by midseason, the rookie had done the unthinkable: he’d stolen minutes, trust, and eventually, the spotlight.

This is how he pulled it off.

The Setup: A Suspect Resume

Podziemski’s pre-draft profile read like a con artist’s alibi.

Too slow. Critics said his lack of elite athleticism would get exposed.

Too small. At 6’4', he wasn’t the prototype for an NBA wing.

Too… Wisconsin? A transfer from Illinois to Santa Clara? Who was this guy?

But the skeptics missed the tells. At Santa Clara, Podziemski averaged 19.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 3.7 APG—numbers that hinted at a player who knew how to exploit weaknesses.

The Play: He didn’t need to outrun defenders if he could outthink them.

The Infiltration: Earning Trust

Podziemski’s first move? Win over the kingpin—Steve Kerr.

While other rookies dazzled in Summer League, Podziemski played the long game. He studied the Warriors’ system like a safecracker memorizing a vault. He mimicked Curry’s off-ball movement, absorbed Draymond’s defensive instincts, and even adopted Klay’s stoic demeanor.

By training camp, whispers started: This kid knows too much.

Then came the preseason heist.

Oct. 7, 2023: Podziemski drops 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 19 minutes against the Lakers.

Oct. 13, 2023: A 12-point, 6-assist, 2-steal performance.

Kerr had no choice—he had to play him.

The Heist: Stealing the Season

Podziemski’s real crime spree began in December. With Chris Paul injured and the Warriors floundering, the rookie stepped in like a seasoned thief.

Dec. 19, 2023: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals vs. Boston.

Jan. 5, 2024: A near triple-double (10 PTS, 7 REB, 10 AST) in a win over Detroit.

Feb. 3, 2024: Career-high 23 points against Atlanta.

But his masterpiece? Rebounding like a 6’8' forward despite being 6’4'. He averaged 5.8 RPG as a guard—outworking bigger, stronger players through sheer anticipation.

The Play: He didn’t jump higher—he just knew where the ball would land.

The Fallout: A Franchise Altered

By April, Podziemski wasn’t just a rookie—he was a starter, helping push the Warriors into the Play-In. The league took notice:

NBA All-Rookie First Team (2024)

Top 5 in steals among rookies

Leader in charges drawn

The Warriors thought they were drafting a role player. Instead, they got a basketball burglar—a guy who stole minutes, possessions, and eventually, the future of the franchise.

Epilogue: The Next Score

Podziemski’s heist isn’t over. With Klay Thompson gone and the Warriors retooling, the sophomore guard is poised for an even bigger take.

Because the best thieves? They always come back for more.

CASE STATUS: STILL OPEN.

What’s your take? Was Podziemski’s rise a masterclass in skill—or the greatest rookie heist in Warriors history? 🔓🏀

Brandin Podziemski's Rookie Heist Story

Report Page