The Golden State Warriors have been in desperate need of another star component in free agency. Not many on their roster remain untouchable. However, the ownership group was stern in their intentions to keep one sophomore guard in their ranks. It’s time for a more significant role for the impressive Brandin Podziemski. The Bay area guard won over the Dub Nation and the solidarity of his teammates in his first year. And the franchise has given him all the reassurance he needs.

After losing Klay Thompson, the Warriors made their bids for each of Paul George and Lauri Markannen. With Steph Curry’s timeline being in its twilight phase, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding the roster. But Joe Lacob was upfront with Pod. “You’re our’s,” he told him while revealing several teams had inquired about his availability.

Likewise, the Bay has made no noteworthy additions to their roster so far. It’s chiefly due to the fact that every team wants Podziemski in exchange for their marquee star. The Warriors though have him as his priority, unwilling to shake him no matter what the stakes. This was unlike what they did for Klay Thompson, whose extension talks were termed to be “cold” and “uncommunicative” by several reports. Eventually, Thompson himself decided to join the Dallas Mavericks. But the Warriors didn’t let Podziemski feel astray.

“He told me, ‘You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re a priority here. I appreciate that, being a rookie and going into my second year, hearing that from such a prestigious organization. It feels good. I’m wanted somewhere. So, I appreciate them,” Brandin Podziemski told the  New York Times.

The reality is he is more than a priority for the Golden State Warriors. Podziemski is essential to their future, especially one that lies beyond the Curry-Green era. His well-shaped game, patience, and decision-making all stood out to such a great extent that Steve Kerr replaced him in the starting lineup instead of a waning Klay Thompson. Additionally, his defensive savvy helped the Warriors attain some stability mid-season as he led the NBA in charges drawn as a rookie.

The objective with Pod is much bigger than just him being a great complimentary piece. They are grooming him to take over soon. And his goals for next season put him closer to that vision.

Brandin Podziemski is aiming big for his sophomore season

The Warriors saw a lot of positive results from implementing Brandin Podziemski into their system. He is selfless and thrives while playing team basketball. Furthermore, his basketball instincts and IQ give him an edge over his peers. In his rookie year, he shot the ball consistently and made an impact as being an influential vocal leader on the team.

Come the second year, where players usually make a staggering improvement, his goals are vast and ambitious. “Individually, I want to be able to be in the conversation and win Most Improved Player of the Year. I want to partake in the Rising Stars game again because it’s in San Francisco next season. I want to participate in the Skills Challenge, that would be fun. Then I want to put my name up there as an up-and-coming star in the league. I’m ready to make that year two jump,” he told Mark Medina in an interview with Sportskeeda.

The All-Rookie First Team guard isn’t mincing his words. During the offseason, the prosperous Warrior was also selected for the USA Select Team where they played against the Team USA Olympic roster. He managed to turn some heads with his fluent play in Las Vegas. Subsequently, he is making a defining leap that places his career on an uplifting trajectory.

The time to take flight is now, and Brandon Podziemski is up for the task.