Has Brandin Podziemski Lived Up to Expectations?

The Golden State Warriors, at 9-2, are one of the very best teams in the NBA. With recent statement wins over the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors look like their squads of old and could go on a run all the way to the Finals.

However, they could be even better. Second-year guard Brandin Podziemski was one of the best rookies last season, but he is experiencing a sophomore slump.

Podziemski’s slow start shouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but it has been blown out of proportion a little bit. In his rookie season, he averaged 9.2 points, 3.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and shot 38.5 percent from behind the arc. His offensive impact and solid defense led to rumblings that he could be a long-term running mate next to Stephen Curry, and the Warriors refused to include him in a trade for Lauri Markkanen, resulting in the All-Star forward staying with the Utah Jazz.

Podziemski followed up his strong rookie campaign with a cold start. Through 10 games, he is averaging only 8.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. He is also shooting a woeful 19.5 percent from 3-point range, despite playing close to the same amount of minutes as last season.

“Podziemski has almost been an afterthought for the team,” wroteFansided’s Michael Saenz. “He’s been semi-productive so far this season but the offensive efficiency hasn’t been best…his start to the season will be labeled a disaster.”

Had the Warriors cashed him in with a rebuilding team when his value was at an all-time high, they could have another star to pair next to Curry. Instead, it looks like Podziemski will be a solid role-player but not much more.