NBA ROTY Race: Despite Tremendous Impact on Stephen Curry’s Warriors, Brandin Podziemski Gets Overlooked; Reacts

This year’s Rookie of the Year race has been one for the ages. The 2023 draft class is proving to be one of the most hyped and talented draft classes in recent memory. With generational talents like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren making headlines every night, some rookies have been overlooked despite their impressive performance. One such rookie is 20-year-old Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski.

Brandin reacted to getting overlooked in the ROTY race after rookies Chet Holmgren and Jaime Jaquez Jr. were bestowed with a huge honor. OKC Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren and Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jacquez Jr. were named the NBA’s Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month for their incredible performance in December.

NBA Insider Brett Siegel reported that several rookies, including Scoot Henderson, Victor Wembanyama, and Brandon Miller, were also considered for that honor. However, Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski’s name was not even mentioned despite his impact on Stephen Curry’s team. Podziemski noticed the disrespect and retweeted the post with a writing hand emoji.

Podziemski was picked 19th in the 2023 NBA draft. He has been a shining light in the Warriors’ abysmal season. The 20-year-old’s performance has had a huge impact on the Warriors amid the drama surrounding Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. He is averaging 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Brandin played great in December and believed he should have at least been considered for the Rookie of the Month award. Maybe that is because the Warriors have not won many games this season. They are ranked 11th in the Western Conference standings with a 16-17 record. Meanwhile, Chet and Jaime are helping their team win consistently.

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Brandin Podziemski has a bright future

Even though Brandin was not considered for the Rookie of the Month award, his impact on the Warriors team cannot be denied. It is not easy coming into a well-established team and making a name for yourself instantly. While Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama have the luxury to go all out because they are part of a young and rebuilding roster, Podziemski does not have that privilege in the Golden State. He has entered a system that only plays to win championships.

So, Brandin does not get open reins like some of the rookies from his class. Despite these hurdles, Brandin has played great in his rookie season. He has proven that he can play in a championship caliber team alongside the best players in the league and make an impact. The 20-year-old has a bright future, and it helps that he is playing with future Hall of Famers like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

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