“I’m thrilled. I told Dennis today he’s kicked my a** on three different continents… If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Having seen firsthand the talent that Dennis Schroder possesses, Steve Kerr was glad to welcome him to the Golden State Warriors. Recently acquired from the Brooklyn Nets, Schroder’s role as a reliable ball handler is already seen as pivotal in alleviating responsibilities for key players, particularly Brandin Podziemski.

Following the Warriors’ 113-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Stephen Curry too praised Schroder’s ability to adapt to the team’s system. He emphasized how Schroder’s skills in ball-handling and playmaking ease the burden on younger players like Brandin Podziemski, allowing them to focus on their strengths. “That’s the hope, right? We talked about, you know, incorporating Dennis into what we do, but adapting to what he does.”

“It’s helped BP (Brandin Podziemski) a little bit, just to allow him to do all the other things that he does so well on the court. His energy…. he got, you know, a couple of offensive rebounds that tip, uh, layup in the 4 quarter,” said Curry. “Just being active and engaged. So, we’re sharing all of the responsibilities. And now, Dennis being a big part of that.”

Podziemski, the Warriors’ 21-year-old shooting guard, has faced challenges this season, with notable drops in shooting percentages and overall performance. His field goal percentage has dipped from 45.4% to 39.6%, and his three-point shooting has fallen to 25.8%. With fewer experienced ball handlers following the departures of Chris Paul and Klay Thompson, Podziemski has struggled to balance his offensive responsibilities.

Podziemski’s poor performance had reached such a level that even Steve Kerr called him out on it. He stated back in early December, “Podz is a hell of a player, but he needs to—and I’ve told him this—he needs to be a smart player.” However, as highlighted by the San Francisco Chronicle, even the head coach admitted that they put Podziemski in a tough spot. He stated, “He’s been put in a spot where he’s had to create a lot.” With Schroder present, that can change.

“He gives us such a reliable ball handler…” said Stephen Curry, about Dennis Schroder. “I thought it put BP in a much better position to not have to have majority of the ball handling responsibilities, but do everything else he does great on the court.”

Within the span of just a few days, a change has been seen in the dynamic of the Warriors roster. If Brandin Podziemski’s performance is improving for the better, then it is certainly living up to the expectations that the team’s general manager had set.

Mike Dunleavy Jr. calls Dennis Schroder’s acquisition good news for both Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski

When looking at Brandin Podziemski’s drop in performance, one might look at what else has changed within the year. Fortunately, fans would not have had to think for long. After all, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. provided the answer himself. In an interview with 95.7 The Game a week ago, the general manager highlighted that Podziemski’s performance was previously better, thanks to the fact that he had two ball handlers, Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, helping him. Unfortunately, things changed when Paul signed up with the San Antonio Spurs, and even Klay Thompson left the team. Now, Dennis Schroder can come in as the ball handler who can fill the gap left by the former Warriors players.

“I think this move enables Brandin and Steph to always be on the court with another ball-handler whether it’s the two of them or Dennis and Brandin or Dennis and Steph,” said Dunleavy Jr. “I think it makes a lot of sense, and again, I think this is something that boosts and helps Brandin. So, we feel good about it in that regard as well.”

Do you believe that Dennis Schroder’s presence can benefit Brandin Podziemski in the long run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.