Brandin Podziemski produced one of the best performances of his career in an historic night for the Golden State Warriors’ rookie on Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 20-year-old became the first Warrior rookie since Stephen Curry to tally 14 assists in a game, with his abundance of dimes coming without one single turnover in the 121-101 victory at FedExForum.
The 19th overall pick regularly gave up his own shot opportunities to find teammates in a better position, though he still added 12 points as well as seven rebounds in flirting with a triple-double across the second-half.
Despite coming off the bench, Podziemski’s 34 minutes were the second-most of any Golden State player behind Jonathan Kuminga. With the third-year forward recording a game-high 29 points, the young duo proved the major storyline from a 20-point win.
Was there any coincidence that Podziemski’s 14 assists came in the absence of Cory Joseph? With the veteran point-guard out of the rotation and Chris Paul still on the sidelines through injury, Podziemski enjoyed greater point-guard responsibility in the non-Curry minutes.
Golden State have always wanted an offensive facilitator with Curry off the floor, leading partly to their decision to trade for Paul during the offseason. However, the 38-year-old makes $30.8 million this season, and Friday showed Podziemski might be capable of fulfilling the role for a fraction of the price.
Steve Kerr’s been hesitant to label Podziemski a point-guard this season, and maintained that rhetoric in describing him as “just a basketball player” even despite the 14 assists. Perhaps that stems from the head coach’s long-held desire to play Podziemski alongside at least one of Curry, Paul or Joseph — Friday’s game was really the first time we’ve seen the rookie guard play meaningful minutes without one of that trio.
The man himself certainly thinks of himself as a lead distributor, stating after the game that “there were some times I could have laid it up, but as a point-guard you try to get your teammates involved as much as you can.”
As the trade deadline approaches in a matter of days, should the Warriors explore a deal for Paul that may bring in a player in a greater position of need? At the very least they should look for an upgrade on Paul, knowing full well that they’ve got Podziemski ready to take greater point-guard responsibility if required.
At the same time, asking Podziemski to be a back-up point-guard come the postseason (should Golden State actually make it) is a proposition that may make the franchise nervous. Kerr, in particular, seems to love Paul and the 12-time All-Star did little wrong prior to his injury. All in all it makes for plenty of thinking for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office over the next few days.
