Brandin Podziemski anointed himself Stephen Curry’s inheritor obvious final season, declaring that it is his “job” to take the mantle from the sharpshooter when he calls it a day. The Warriors have been seemingly on board with the succession plan, refusing to part with Podz in trades involving Paul George and Lauri Markkanen.
1 / 4 of the best way into the brand new season, Podz has been an utter disappointment. The second-year guard is averaging 8.0 factors, 4.6 rebounds and three.5 assists whereas capturing an appalling 39 p.c from the sphere and 20.6 p.c from three. His numbers are down throughout the board from his rookie 12 months, a troubling development for a participant who vowed to fill the void left by Klay Thompson as Curry’s backcourt associate.
Throughout Monday’s loss in Denver, there was a 38-second stretch within the fourth quarter when Podziemski made three boneheaded selections that derailed the Warriors’ momentum and price them a nine-point lead. On the 5:44 mark, he made a horrible cross whereas inbounding the ball, and adopted up his turnover with an ill-advised three-point try on the different finish. Then, on the 5:06 mark, he fouled Michael Porter Jr. on a 3, resulting in a four-point play.
Podziemski was instantly benched and held out for the remainder of the sport. However the harm had already been carried out, because the Nuggets accomplished the comeback in a 119-115 win.
After the sport, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr known as out Podziemski for his lack of ability to learn in-game conditions. Kerr famous that Podz made related errors in a loss to the Nets final week.