Brandin Podziemski appears positioned for a breakthrough season with the Golden State Warriors.
Multiple indicators suggest significant progress, including Steve Kerr naming him the most incredible player during training camp.
He could secure the starting shooting guard position, particularly if Kerr deploys small-ball lineups.
Warriors expert Dalton Johnson believes Podziemski could become the team’s third scoring option behind Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler if he addresses his shooting consistency.
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty ImagesBrandin Podziemski prioritizes confidence over technique after Stephen Curry mentorship
Podziemski recently discussed his shooting development, focusing on mental approach rather than technical adjustments or volume increases.
He credits learning this mindset from the greatest shooter in NBA history and his teammate Stephen Curry.
“He [Curry] shoots 10 3s a game. He’s not gonna go 10-for-10. And, sometimes, he’ll go 1-for-10, but it’s the confidence to shoot ‘em, which I think I’ve developed,” Podziemski explained.
“It’s just being free, being me and living with the results,” he added.
The mental adjustment addresses a critical element of offensive production that separates good shooters from elite ones.
Curry’s ability to maintain confidence despite cold stretches represents a skill Podziemski aims to emulate.
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty ImagesStatistical evidence supports Brandin Podziemski’s optimism about shooting trajectory
Examining Podziemski’s statistics reveals solid shooting performance last season. He shot 37.2% from three-point range, with a 37.8% career mark across two NBA seasons.
Those percentages represent respectable numbers for young players. Podziemski primarily needs consistency management, especially when increasing his shooting volume as expected in an expanded role.
Last season, his three-point attempts increased compared to his rookie year. While his percentage declined slightly, the drop wasn’t statistically significant and likely reflects natural variance with increased volume.
Curry’s mindset about confidence and acceptance of results could transform Podziemski into a more reliable shooter.
If he successfully implements this mental approach next season while maintaining his technical foundation, he genuinely could become the Warriors’ third scoring option they desperately need behind their established stars.