Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski reflects on lessons from 2 veterans before 82-game feat

LOS ANGELES – Brandin Podziemski has been the one constant for the Golden State Warriors in a season full of injuries and inconsistencies. The third-year guard will become the only Warrior to play in all 82 games this season, a feat last accomplished by Buddy Hield in 2024-25 and Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole in 2022-23.

“It means a lot,” Podziemski said in anticipation of the Iron Man achievement. “I saw [Looney] do it [before] my first year, and Buddy do it last year. So the habits they had and just really finding a flow for me after my injuries last year helped me try to be available every game for this team.”

It’s been quite the rollercoaster 82 games this season. After a slow start to the year that only got magnified due to some choice comments he made comparing himself to Stephen Curry, Podziemski has found his footing as one of Golden State’s most consistent players. In the 26 games since the all-star break, Podziemski has averaged 17.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. 

The Warriors never had to worry about Podziemski’s availability, even as they lost player after player to injury. It’s a trait that has impressed his coach, Steve Kerr, in a year in which he has had to manage one of the worst injury storms of his career.

“It’s one of his best qualities, that he’s there for you every game,” Kerr said. ” He loves the game. He loves to work. Never wants to miss a day. That’s not easy to do, especially these days. With the pace these guys are running [at]. And the schedule. So very, very impressive.”

How Brandin Podziemski stayed healthy

The secret for Podziemski has been finding consistency in his work routine. His 24-25 season was marred by nagging injury after nagging injury, from back issues and an abdominal strain to a wrist injury he had to undergo surgery on in the offseason.

So whether it was figuring out what works best to recover after back-to-back games or finding the best habits when given two days of rest, Podziemski took maintaining his body to heart this season. And it paid off.

“The famous adage is the best build is availability,” Podziemski said. “Just always being there. And whoever’s out there will always know that I’m out there with them. Yeah, I take it personal in a way, but I just enjoy hoops and love being out there playing. If I can play, I’ll play.”

There’s an easiness Podziemski is playing with right now that was absent in the first half of the season.

“He’s taken on more responsibility with Steph being out,” Kerr said of Podziemski’s strong second half of the season. “His usage rate has probably climbed a little bit, but I think just the game-to-game confidence has improved. In my mind, he just looks much more comfortable out there, and he’s played really well for us.”

Pair Podziemski’s 82-game achievement with finally scoring 30 points in a game, to the delight of that fan account and the rest of the internet, and things have finally turned a corner for the 23-year-old.

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