Brandin Podziemski Struggles as Warriors Rally from Deficit
Brandin Podziemski is facing a tough stretch. In Thursday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, his performance fell short as he managed just 2-of-8 shooting from the field. However, the story extends beyond mere numbers. The decision by head coach Steve Kerr to bench Podziemski for the final 19 minutes of the game raises important questions about his role and contributions.
Shooting Struggles Stand Out
While it’s not uncommon for players to have off nights, Podziemski’s misses were particularly concerning. His first attempt—a slightly contested three-pointer—rattled out, but that was just the beginning. His second shot was an airball from the corner, followed by a lengthy pull-up three that missed the mark. A subsequent corner three barely grazed the rim, while a wide-open look also rimmed out. His last miss was a floater that hit only the backboard, missing the rim entirely. Such a performance is alarming, especially considering Podziemski’s season averages of 43.6% shooting from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc. On nights like this, Kerr’s decision to seek alternatives is understandable.
Point Guard Duties Prove Challenging
Starting the game at point guard, Podziemski’s stat line reflected his struggles: zero assists and three turnovers. To further illustrate his difficulties, a look at potential assists reveals that he tied for the least among Warriors guards who played over 20 minutes. While he is capable of attacking the paint and creating opportunities for teammates, this season has seen his assist average dip to a career-low of 2.9. His skill set does not align perfectly with traditional point guard responsibilities, making his struggles less surprising.
Competition for Playing Time
Podziemski’s performance has faced stiff competition from teammate Pat Spencer, who has consistently outperformed him in recent weeks. Spencer’s plus-17 rating in 24 minutes on Thursday contrasted sharply with Podziemski’s minus-20. In three recent games where Spencer played over 20 minutes, he averaged 14.7 points and 7.7 assists, shooting an impressive 51.4%. Meanwhile, Podziemski’s last eight games have yielded only 12.9 points and 2.5 assists, with a shooting percentage of 40.2% across 27.3 minutes.
Even though Podziemski is more frequently positioned as a shooting guard, the presence of De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield further limited his chances to re-enter the game. Their strong performances contributed to the Warriors’ dramatic turnaround, as they erased an 18-point deficit to take a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter.
Defensive Aspects Not to Blame
It’s worth noting that Podziemski’s defense did not contribute to his benching. He primarily guarded VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes off the ball, remaining largely uninvolved in the point of attack. Kerr’s decision to bench him was clearly a reflection of his offensive struggles rather than deficiencies on the defensive end.
Jonathan Kuminga also found himself on the bench during crucial stretches, echoing past discussions surrounding his fourth-quarter minutes against the Thunder. Kerr’s choices on Thursday appear justified, especially with Stephen Curry out for the next two games, highlighting the need for Spencer to step in as starting point guard.
The Road Ahead for Podziemski
As the Warriors navigate the absence of their star players, the balance between offensive and defensive responsibilities will be critical. With Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green providing ample playmaking when healthy, the need for a traditional backup point guard like Spencer may diminish. However, Podziemski’s skills as a rebounder and secondary creator remain valuable. The hope is that he can find his rhythm and regain confidence, but for now, a reduction in minutes may be necessary for the team’s success.
