Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has made it clear he’s thinking long-term about his role with the franchise and he’s aiming high. In a recent interview with The Athletic, the 22-year-old guard revealed that he envisions himself as the player to whom Stephen Curry and Draymond Green eventually pass the torch when their legendary careers come to a close.
Podziemski didn’t shy away from expressing his ambition:
“When they leave this thing, they got to leave it with somebody. How can I have their trust? And they can go to (owner) Joe [Lacob] and (general manager) Mike [Dunleavy] and be like, ‘Hey, we want to leave it with him. He’s going to continue what we’re leaving.’ So, I think about that all the time, and I set myself up in that position, to have that. And there’s a lot of other things than just skill that you need to be in that position.”
The statement underscores Podziemski’s desire not just to be a contributor, but to embody the culture and leadership that Curry and Green have established over the past decade.
Drafted 19th overall in 2023, Podziemski has steadily carved out a role as a versatile guard. Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, earning praise from head coach Steve Kerr for his competitiveness and feel for the game.
With Curry and Green both in the twilight of their careers, the Warriors are beginning to look toward the future. Podziemski’s confidence suggests he wants to be at the center of that transition.
While his comments reflect ambition, not everyone is convinced. Social media reactions ranged from supportive to mocking, with some fans applauding his confidence and others suggesting he’s getting ahead of himself. One viral post joked:
“Boy really thinks he’s the main character – he’s barely cracking the starting lineup and already writing the sequel to the Warriors dynasty.”
For the Warriors, Podziemski’s mindset may be exactly what they need: a young player willing to embrace responsibility and leadership. Whether he ultimately becomes the face of the franchise remains to be seen, but his determination to earn the trust of Curry, Green, and the front office is a sign of his commitment to Golden State’s future.
