Podz responds to criticism that Warriors are an outdated rock band originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The warriors hear the chatter. They know Those outside the organization have doubts on what the team can accomplish in the 2024-25 NBA season.
And while the Warriors don’t like criticism, they’re confident it will give them fuel when the coming season will begin at the end of October.
Second-year NBA guard Brandin Podziemskitasked with helping to maintain the final years of the Warriors’ dynasty, spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Laura Britt about recent comments in which an unnamed NBA coach compared Golden State, a rock band past its prime.
“We don’t like to hear that, but we like to hear that we’re going to do something that nobody expects us to do,” Podziemski told Britt Friday at Oracle Park after taking batting practice before the game against the Giants. “They don’t think we’re the Warriors that we used to be, and for us, I think it’s just the best feeling to have nothing to lose on the field, and just go out and prove people wrong.”
“I think there’s a group of guys with that mentality who thrive on proving people wrong, and I know Stephanie (Curry) is one of those guys. So just being around him in the backyard and combined with all our other guys, we’re just excited to prove people wrong.
After winning the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston CelticsThe Warriors lost to the The Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs, then were eliminated from the 2024 Western Conference play-in tournament by the Sacramento Kings.
The Warriors finished 10th in the West Division last season and in the eyes of most analysts, they haven’t made any notable improvements this offseason.
Franchise icon Klay Thompson is gone for the reigning Western Conference champion The Dallas Mavericks after controversial contract negotiations with the Warriors.
Veteran Role Players Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton were added to the roster, but the Warriors appear to lack a true No. 2 scorer behind Curry. Maybe Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga can take over, but Golden State won’t know until the start of the season.
Podziemski has his own personal motivation, as he was mentioned in trade rumors all summer. But the Warriors were reluctant to part with him, even for proven NBA All-Stars, so the pressure and expectations on the Santa Clara product grew.
But Podziemski, Curry and the Warriors are feeding off the silence of doubters, and it will be a resounding storyline throughout the season.
