2023 NBA Draft: Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski named one of the top-five steals by GMs – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Brandin Podziemski, a rookie for the Warriors, may have slipped through the fingers of several NBA general managers.

In his annual preseason GM survey, NBA.com’s John Schuhmann asked front-office executives a variety of questions, one of which was about the rookie who was the biggest steal in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The majority of votes (43 percent) in that category went to Houston Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore, who dropped from a projected top-five pick to No. 20 overall. Following Whitmore were three players, each receiving 10 percent of the vote: Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz (No. 16 overall pick), Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers (No. 3 overall pick), and Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat (No. 18 overall pick).

In fifth place was Podziemski, the guard selected No. 19 overall by the Warriors.

Although Podziemski struggled with his shooting during the summer league, he showcased his skills in Golden State’s 125-108 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. He contributed 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting, along with six rebounds and four assists, in 26 minutes of play.

As a rookie, he will be striving to earn the trust of coach Steve Kerr and secure a spot in the Warriors’ rotation.

Last year, Jalen Duren, a center for the Detroit Pistons, and Tari Eason, a forward for the Rockets, were voted as the co-biggest steals in the 2022 draft by general managers. Duren averaged 9.1 points and 8.9 rebounds in 67 games, while Eason recorded 9.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in 82 contests. Neither player received a single Rookie of the Year vote.

Podziemski will have another opportunity to prove these general managers right when the Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers during their preseason schedule.

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