Up until last year, even though Klay Thompson wasn’t as vicious as he once was, Steve Kerr may have never even thought of replacing him. However, the emergence of a rookie changed his decision. Toward the end of the season, the Bay started Brandin Podziemski over their veteran. “He’s remarkably advanced for his age and his experience, or lack thereof,” said the nine-time champion.

Instantly, he became a favorite among Dub Nation. Standing at 6’5″, Pod has sensational rebounding instincts along with an astute sense of the game. Similar to Draymond Green, he contributes in all facets of the game, and the 21-year-old is also shaping himself into becoming a leader. However, it never began that way. Podziemski, a 19th pick had to go through hardships that challenged his resilience.

“Terrible. I really contemplated, like, am I good enough to play at this level, given the fact that I’m struggling in summer league?” the Warriors forward thought. Podziemski struggled to shoot the ball and caused high turnovers, casting doubts over his ability to read defenses. Luckily, had had a great exhibit within the roster to eradicate his self-criticism. He looked at the trajectory of Stephen Curry.

“But then I looked at Steph, he struggled when he played in summer league his first year and he turned out to be fine. A lot of guys do struggle in their first year in summer league and they turn out to be just fine. So using that, yeah, use his brand,” he revealed on Hoop Collective. 

Stephen Curry, a timid prospect didn’t have as much trouble showcasing his scoring skills averaging 17.4 points in five games. However, like Pod, his turnovers were alarming, especially for a point guard. But his process to becoming the most decorated shooter of all time came years after struggling with ankle injuries and inconsistencies.

Podziemski used that and kept his confidence high. Now, he is a major contributor for the Warriors and was even part of the USA Select Team that played Curry and the Olympic contingent in preparation for the competition.

Stephen Curry sees Brandin Podziemski as a brother

The 21-year-old didn’t just buy into the “brand” that Curry set. He was also his rookie in his first season last year. When speaking about Pod, Curry recognized him as a “little brother”. “He is kind of the annoying little brother who asks questions all the time, and he’s always talking,” the 36-year-old said of his young teammate.

But his curiosity is what the Chef admired. In his eyes, Podziemski instantly became someone who cared about the franchise and wanted to maintain the lofty standards he had set. It wasn’t just Stephen Curry either. Draymond Green, considered a locker room leader has also raved about the dynamic forward boasting leadership qualities through a not-so-frequent incident.

As he was returning from an ankle injury, Podziemski took command of practices and was extremely vocal. It didn’t matter whether a veteran stood in front of someone younger. “Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That, to me, said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time,” Green told Anthony Slater.

Brandon Podziemski wants to take the reigns once the legacy players decide to hang their heavy sneakers. In particular, he has developed a deep bond with Stephen Curry and wishes to stand on his pedestal within the franchise upon his retirement.

“When he (Steph Curry) retires, in how many years that may be, I feel like it’s my job to fulfill what he’s doing. [Curry’s] amazing. Just to see the things he does, as a husband, father, [and] businessman. To see how he treats people. He’s never too good for anybody,” the sophomore forward told Basketball Forever.

With the impression he has left on the franchise and it’s top brass, Podziemski seems bound for that status. Do you think the 21-year-old will be able to achieve it? Let us know your views in the comments below.