Warriors Rookie Brandin Podziemski has been starting in place of Klay Thompson and one insider has revealed how the young rising star feels about it.
“I talked to Brandin Podziemski who is now starting in Klay’s place, and I asked him about what’s been the dynamic since you’ve entered the starting lineup between you and Klay, and he said it is awkward, it is awkward because he understands what Klay means to this team and the run that they had but he says Klay has been supportive,” Haynes said on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast. “He said he’s helping him sharing with him where he should be at on both ends of the court in different sets. They do play together in the rotations that they use and he said Klay has made it clear to give him the ball, like get me the ball when I’m in there, so Klay is looking to shoot that bad boy when he gets in.”
Although head coach Steve Kerr said that Klay starting games from the bench wasn’t necessarily a permanent fixture, it sure seems to be working.
In the Warriors’ win over the Wizards on Tuesday, Thompson scored a team high of 25 points from the bench and shot 9-16 from the field, while grabbing three rebounds and four assists.
It is a clear demotion for the Warriors legend, but it certainly suits him.
The four-time NBA champion has admitted to the benefits.
“Honestly, it’s been a pretty seamless transition,” Thompson said. “It does have its benefits as far as letting the game settle, seeing the floor before you enter, and just relaxing.”
Klay also added that starting the game from the sidelines eases his nerves.
“The nerves, especially when you start, can be apparent when it’s a big night,” Klay said. “But when you’re coming off the bench it’s a little easier to relax, and I think my game is showing that.”
The Warriors have won eight of their last ten games.
READ MORE: Klay Thompson Reveals How Much Longer He Wants to Play