The Difference Between Brandin Podziemski’s Height and Wingspan: An Analysis

Brandin Podziemski’s height and wingspan only differ by a mere half inch, which may not seem significant at first glance. However, when it comes to basketball and the importance of length on both ends of the court, this slight difference can pose challenges for Podziemski. With his lack of height, he struggles to see past taller defenders and his average athleticism doesn’t make things any easier. As a result, he faces a higher level of difficulty when it comes to handling the ball and creating plays for himself and his teammates. Yet, despite these obstacles, Podziemski is showing plenty of promise and proving himself capable of meeting the challenges thrown at him during the preseason.

One question that arises is whether Podziemski will surpass the injured Cory Joseph as the Golden State Warriors’ third-string point guard. It’s important to consider Joseph’s experience advantage and his prior exposure to a similar offensive scheme with the San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors may value a steady veteran hand after the moments of youth and audacity displayed last season. On the other hand, Podziemski has demonstrated audacity along with control, lacking the fluff typically associated with young players and rookies. He always seems to be in control of possessions, minimizing mistakes and maximizing opportunities to create advantages on the floor. This begs the question of how Podziemski manages to consistently get to the paint despite his lack of outstanding burst, athleticism, and physical advantages.

Podziemski possesses a crafty ability to manipulate his defender at the point of attack, putting them at a constant disadvantage. His threat as a pull-up shooter adds to his repertoire, forcing defenders to close out aggressively. By attacking these closeouts, he often finds his way to the paint and puts the defense in rotation. Additionally, Podziemski’s understanding of pace, tempo, and cadence allows him to seamlessly transition from the Warriors’ fast-paced style to a more controlled rhythm, giving him an edge in reaching the paint effectively. His nifty footwork, paired with his patience, enables him to use screens to his advantage and blow by defenders. When help defense steps up, Podziemski capitalizes on the opportunity to make the right pass and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Furthermore, Podziemski’s willingness to keep the action flowing and involve his teammates has contributed to his heavy minutes this preseason. He doesn’t desire to stagnate with the ball and looks to move it quickly, ensuring it touches as many hands as possible. When he doesn’t have the ball, he actively screens, cuts, relocates, and flashes to create advantageous positions on the floor. His ability to maximize the opportunities he has with the ball also stands out. Even a simple jab step can manipulate his defender and lead to another paint touch or a pass to a cutting teammate.

Podziemski’s rebounding prowess also plays a significant role in his ability to get to the paint. Despite his size, he excels at crashing the boards, averaging 8.8 rebounds in college and 6.0 rebounds in the preseason. His efforts on the glass directly correlate with his success in attacking the paint.

In a more controlled half-court setting, Podziemski’s development as an in-between scoring threat, including mid-range jumpers and floaters, is essential for his overall offensive game. If defenses choose to play drop coverage against him, he must make them pay by consistently hitting mid-range shots and floaters. Collaborating with fellow rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis in two-man actions can provide Podziemski opportunities to showcase his mid-range game.

Podziemski’s ability to create paint touches comes from a combination of polish, fundamentals, and feel that is uncommon for a rookie. To reach his full potential, he needs to build confidence in his outside shooting and fulfill his potential as a pull-up threat. If he can achieve this, Podziemski will solidify himself as an impact player and earn a spot in Steve Kerr’s rotation, just as effortlessly as he maneuvers his way into the paint.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.