Dunleavy confident Podz will ‘step up’ despite slow offensive start originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Crises don’t last forever.
Despite a slow offensive start to the 2024-25 NBA season for the Warriors’ second-year guard Brandin Podziemskigeneral manager Mike Dunleavy is confident the 21-year-old will soon return to the same form that propelled his electrifying rookie season.
Dunleavy, after all, suggests that Podziemski is behind in just one category compared to his All-Rookie Campaign last season.
“I think the good news for Brandin at this point is the ball’s not going in the basket for him,” Dunleavy told Bonta Hill, Festus Ezeli and Chris Mullin on “Warriors Pregame Live” on Wednesday.
“He doesn’t shoot the ball very well, but he does everything else at a high level, like he did last year. We’re actually talking about fixing one thing. He will come back. He will get there. Mully, as you always told me: “Do the work. Relax.” Go ahead and let it fly.’
Despite Golden State’s hot start — fueled by efficient shooting — Podziemski is in the midst of a rough start to his sophomore year.
Podziemski is averaging 7.8 points per game while shooting 38 percent from the floor and a disappointing 19.1 percent from three-point range. Last season, Podziemski shot 38.5 percent from beyond the arc despite making just 3.2 shots from deep per game.
Golden State, on the other hand, ranks second in the league in 3-point percentage, shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc.
With teammate De’Anthony Melton ready to endure Season-ending ACL surgeryCould the rise expected in a few minutes trigger a much-needed turnaround for Podziemski?
Dunleavy believes so.
“I think everything is going to change for him, but he’ll definitely get more opportunities with De’Anthony out, as will other guys,” Dunleavy added. “I know Brandin is going to step in.”
With coach Steve Kerr’s starting rotation taking a unexpected blowPodziemski is in the ideal position to end an indisputable crisis.
