With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in the latter stages of their careers and Klay Thompson departing, the Warriors want to keep their young core intact to secure the future. And they made their stance clear when Joe Lacob refused to part ways with 21-year-old guard Brandin Podziemski even though the move could have landed them Utah’s Lauri Markkanen for an instant upgrade. Sure enough, Dub Nation was not too happy with Lacob’s hesitation. However, amid all the trade drama, Podziemski felt a sense of validation.

Podz revealed his thoughts about multiple teams pursuing him this summer, saying, “In one aspect, it was different. This is my first year going through something like this.” Just about to enter his second NBA season, Brandin has never had to worry about being traded before this off-season as that is not the norm in High School and college.

However, he did not mind being the center of most trade conversations. “It was a good feeling to know you’re wanted across the league. They see your value. And at the same time, you see how much value Golden State has there. It was good to be a part of that, to go through it.”

Moreover, he commended Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. for being transparent with him throughout the whole process and even reassuring him multiple times that he was not going anywhere. “I felt that as an extra confidence booster that they see a bright future for me as I do myself,” the young gun concluded on the Willard & Dibs Show. That being said, what did the Bay Area decision-maker have to say about fighting to retain the youngster?

Brandin Podziemski wants to prove Joe Lacob right

Obviously, a major reason Lacob did not want to trade Podz despite the pressure from Dub Nation was that he saw immense potential in the kid. During an appearance on the Summer League broadcast, Lacob said, “He does so many things well. He’s ultra-confident. He’s got an NBA body. He can get wherever he wants. He obviously can shoot threes. He can drive. He can pass. I mean, what can’t he do? We’re really excited. We think we’ve got a future All-Star. We really do.” Sure enough, there have been signs that Brandin Podziemski could be the next star for the Warriors as he averaged 9.2 points and nearly 6 rebounds in his rookie season.

Because of his effort, he even cracked the All-Rookie First Team alongside Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Moreover, Brandin Podziemski has complete faith in himself to prove Lacob right, “I agree with him 100% and that is something I strive for and you know plan to do in the coming years.” Although he served as a backup point guard last season, he made it clear that he does not want to settle in that role and aspires to be an All-Star and even the face of the Warriors franchise if things go his way.

Things have gone in a way favorable to his growth. With the Warriors’ unsuccessful Lauri Markkanen pursuit, it only means that alongside an aging core and Buddy Hield, youngsters like Podz and Kuminga are set to become the mainstay in the franchise.

Do you think Podziemski can achieve his bold ambition?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger