JUST IN: Monitoring Brandin Podziemski’s drives and paint touches and how it could unlock the next step in his development
When discussing the Golden State Warriors, the name Jonathan Kuminga immediately springs to mind, and rightfully so. This season, his aggressive drives have captivated audiences with their explosive energy and daring maneuvers. His adept control of his body, combined with a subtle ability to change direction rapidly, has made his progression this season particularly fascinating. Kuminga has brought a level of rim pressure and power to the team that has been notably absent in the past.
However, another Warrior who deserves recognition for his inside game is Brandin Podziemski, even though his drives may not be as visually striking or forceful as Kuminga’s. Signs of Podziemski’s ability to penetrate into the paint were evident as early as the Summer League, despite his modest stature and lack of vertical leap. While his frequency of attempts near the rim is average, he has demonstrated an impressive finishing rate when he does get close, suggesting room for increased volume in his shot attempts. This success hints at his potential to use his threat as a scorer to create advantages for himself and his teammates.
Podz w/ another paint touch but has no lane to the rim. Gathers himself, sees Gui Santos open, splash. Liking the patience and poise so far from Podz. pic.twitter.com/MqelpvpuCR
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) July 4, 2023
A notable moment from Summer League highlighted Podziemski’s prowess as a passer and playmaker in the paint. By effectively reading the defense and making skip passes to open teammates, he showcased a high level of basketball IQ. Similar instances have occurred throughout the season, demonstrating his consistency in this aspect of his game.
Paint-touch Podz strikes again pic.twitter.com/vS4J5VK4rI
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) October 14, 2023
"Quick 55" (Kerr called this Quick 77 w/ Team USA). Podz rejects and gets to the paint, draws low-man help and finds the corner shooter.
Paint-touch Podz >>>> pic.twitter.com/xPFpgU4WH9
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) October 8, 2023
Statistics further emphasize Podziemski’s impact, with his drive frequency ranking among the top rookies in the NBA. Additionally, his low turnover rate on drives underscores his ability to make sound decisions with the ball, further enhancing his value on the court.
Podz making himself available at the top of the arc as the release valve. Catches and stampedes his way to a paint touch to draw help and force the sink on Draymond, opens up the kickout to JK for the 3. pic.twitter.com/kxZ9bK7mBB
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) February 3, 2024
Looking ahead, Podziemski’s development as a scoring threat in the paint will be crucial for his evolution as a ballhandler and offensive weapon. If he can maintain his outside shooting consistency while improving his inside scoring, he has the potential to become a versatile threat on both ends of the floor.
Podz's craft as a PnR ballhandler. Usual paint touch because of course, gets Okongwu up in the air before committing to the kickout to Lester shaking up from the corner. pic.twitter.com/IcSeiXJRaV
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) February 4, 2024
In summary, Podziemski’s ability to exploit defensive lapses, attack aggressively, and showcase his finishing skills foreshadows a promising future for the talented rookie.