Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski has been a surprise packet so far this season and Draymond Green believes he is the real deal.
The 20-year-old recorded 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes of playing time in the Warriors 120-114 win against the Clippers on Thursday.
Following the game, Draymond went into great detail about what a special player Podziemski is.
“He’s a gamer. He’s a competitor. And he’s smart,” The veteran forward said. “He’s a student of the game. He asks a million questions, whether it’s to [Chris Paul], whether it’s to me or coach, he’s always asking questions. He’ll come just sit next to you and listen. And it shows up when he plays.
“BP is one of those guys, we knew right away at mini camp, like yo this kid can play. He’s going to shock a bunch of people because if you look at our roster, I’m certain the expectation was the he’d spend a bunch of time in Santa Cruz. And you saw him play once and you’re like, ‘Aw man this kid can play.’ Then you see him play again. And I actually told my friends, I know everyones thinking BP’s going to spend a bunch of time in Santa Cruz. Watch him end up being a part of the rotation.
It’s unfortunate that we have guys out, but when you do have guys out thats your opptunirty to step up and everytime his numbers been called, he’s stepped up. So it’s good to see him have the success that he’s had…he’ll continue to grow. Eight rebounds, like, I couldn’t even get eight rebounds tonight, like, he’s all over the place, he reads the game, he’s solid. Doesn’t make mistakes. …Rookies don’t blow up plays. Rookies f*ck up plays. And he doesn’t.”
We have seen shades of Steph Curry from the young guard on the court, as he has sunk some impressive shots from three so far this season.
We could be looking at the Warriors future right here, because the rest of the roster certainly isn’t getting anoy younger.