As the Golden State Warriors slog through trying to land Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, the person who may determine it all appears to be Brandin Podziemski.
Podziemski just finished a stellar rookie season with the Warriors, going from being selected 19th overall in last year’s NBA Draft to earning All-Rookie First-Team honors by averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Podziemski’s rapid ascension not only booted Klay Thompson from the starting lineup but also likely had a direct hand in Thompson’s decision to depart Golden State and sign with the Mavericks this offseason.