Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is standing behind Brandin Podziemski despite a recent dip in offensive production from the rookie over the past month.
Podziemski, who is averaging 9.4 points this season, is posting 7.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks on 38.6% shooting from the field over his last 12 games. He has connected on 40% of his 3-point attempts over that span.
The 19th pick has scored fewer than 10 points eight times in that stretch and recently totaled just seven points in a three-game span, mostly as a starter. He has still managed to affect games without his scoring, something that has proven to be valuable for the team.
Kerr doesn’t want to change anything with his current role.
I don’t care if he scores or not. He is in every one of our best lineups. He is our best plus-minus guy (plus-3.8) for the year. He is really good, no matter whether he is scoring or not. I know, especially as a rookie, that he’ll have ups and downs from a scoring standpoint, and right now, he is in a down period. But he allows other guys to play well just because of his recognition of what is happening on the floor, his cuts, ball movement, spacing. I’m thrilled with Brandin, and as long as he keeps playing as hard as he is, he’ll be out there.
Podziemski looked to break out a bit on Friday, recording 13 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal for his seventh double-double in a loss to the Indiana Pacers. He finished a team-high plus-six in 27 minutes on the court.
The 21-year-old has become a favorite of Kerr, with his ability to impact games in various ways. He has added an additional two points of offense per 100 possessions and is one of five rookies making a positive impact in that category, according to Sportradar.
Podziemski is averaging 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range in 61 games. He leads the NBA in charges drawn (36) and ranks ninth in scoring and sixth in rebounding among all first-year players.
He has given Kerr and the Warriors another dynamic on both sides of the ball. He has played a key part in helping the team this season and will continue to play a large role.
