Steve Kerr Explains Why Brandin Podziemski Fits Well With Steph Curry

With injuries to the lineup and uncertainty surrounding the franchise's future, the Golden State Warriors are hoping that one of their young pieces can step up and break out in 2026-2027. One player many have their eye on to break out is guard Brandin Podziemski, who just signed a five-year, $110 million extension with the franchise. 

Podziemski was drafted by Golden State in 2023 and has improved statistically each season. Now, with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody expected to miss a significant period of time, this is his chance to solidify himself as a true focal point on offense. 

The Warriors have been looking for a player to be a true second option alongside star player Steph Curry, and if Podziemski can fit into that role this season, it can make them much more competitive. 

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently talked about the pairing of Podziemski and Curry, and he believes Podziemski has all the tools to take pressure off of Curry when needed. 

"He's a good 3-point shooter. He's a good passer, and he processes the game really well," Kerr said. "Anybody who does those things is going to be a good asset for you, regardless of the lineup."

Those skills are what this coaching staff is looking to see more of from Brandin Podziemski. There are times when the Warriors need another guard to survey the court and allow Steph Curry to get open off the ball. 

As dynamic as Curry is on the ball, he is equally dynamic without it, and if Podziemski is able to run the offense through his eyes and put his teammates in position to succeed, it could make the Warriors very versatile offensively. 

Curry is 38 years old now, and the ideal scenario for Golden State is to transition from him to Podziemski as the lead guard. Podziemski only averaged 3.7 assists per game this past season, but with more playing time and opportunity, that number could be higher. 

In terms of what the rest of the roster looks like, there are not many notable new faces, but this is a Warriors team that has some continuity. Players like Gui Santos and Gary Payton II will likely see playing time off the bench this season, and those are two familiar faces with Podziemski. 

It will be interesting to see how this coaching staff will use Podziemski in more of a playmaking role alongside Steph Curry and how much that raises the ceiling of this team.