The Warriors championship window is still open

How long can the Golden State Warriors championship window remain open?

The Golden State Warriors won their last championship in 2022. Outside of Klay Thompson, who left the team in free agency this summer, the entire core of that roster is still in the Bay Area. Over the first few weeks of the offseason, the Warriors have acquired multiple veteran talents with the aim of bouncing back after a difficult 2023-24 campaign.

According to Joe Lacob, who was speaking on a recent episode of Tim Kawakami’s “The TK Show” podcast, the Warriors championship window is likely to be open longer than what most people expect, despite the fact Steph Curry and Draymond Green are both in the final stages of their career.

“I do view that our window is a little longer than people think,” Lacob told Kawakami. “If there’s such a thing as a window. But with respect to Steph, let’s just say … I think the window’s probably longer than people give it credit for. He’s in remarkable shape. I do not see some big slowdown from Steph here. In fact, I would argue he’s one of the best players on the Olympic team.”

Golden State has been straddling two timelines in recent years. The young core of Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Daivs and Moses Moody have all shown promise of developing into high-level players. The quicker they can take steps in their development, the more likely it is that Curry and Green can continue contending at the highest level.

Whether the Warriors’ window can stay open long enough for the franchise to get Curry and Green another ring will remain to be seen. However, it does appear that the front office is bullish on the franchise’s chances.

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Are the Warriors making a mistake by straddling two timelines?

Is the Golden State Warriors desire to have two timelines hurting their chances of winning a championship?

The Golden State Warriors have been straddling two timelines for multiple years. In Steph Curry and Draymond Green, Steve Kerr has two elite veterans who know how to win and what it takes to be a consistent contender. The Warriors also have some elite young talent with All-Star upside. Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga are the two jewels of the younger core.

According to Dieter Kurtenbach of the Mercury News, the Warriors could be making a mistake in their commitment to developing young talent while still trying to be a contending roster.

“It seems more likely that the Warriors are making the same mistake twice: They’re going for two timelines — the present and the future,” Kurtenbach wrote when lamenting the team’s dilly-dallying over a Lauri Markkanen trade. “And in that effort, they’ll ensure they have no timelines. Let me tell you, two in hand is better than two in the bush.”
While having two timelines is the ideal scenario for any team, it appears that it’s limiting Golden State from reaching a championship ceiling while also holding back the development of some young players, such as Moses Moody.
If the Warriors want to continue giving Curry and Green opportunities to add to their impressive trophy haul, the front office may need to accept that it will mean going all-in on the veteran core and dealing with an inevitable rebuild when the time arises.
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Warriors unlikely to entertain any trade talks involving Podziemski

The Golden State Warriors are unlikely to part with Brandin Podziemski.

Brandin Podziemski projects to be an important part of the Golden State Warriors‘ future. The All-Rookie First Team selection had a strong debut season in the NBA and will undoubtedly be looking to build on those performances as he enters his sophomore season in the Bay Area.

However, Podziemski’s summer has been marred by trade rumors. The Warriors’ reported pursuit of Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz has seen the rebuilding Western Conference franchise set their sights on Podziemski as a potential makeweight in a deal. According to Marc Stein, the Warriors are expected to resist any overtures for their talented young guard but may be willing to part with Jonathan Kuminga to get a deal over the line.

“There is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski,” Stein wrote. “To this point, however, it must be noted that Golden State’s offers for Markkanen have centered around a package featuring Moses Moody and draft compensation without including Podziemski or Kuminga.”

Markkanen is a logical target for Golden State. He adds size, scoring and an interior presence on defense. However, the Warriors are wise to be cautious in who they part with to secure a potential deal. Both Podziemski and Kuminga have shown All-Star upside. 

Nevertheless, Podziemski’s style of play, and additional years on a cost-controlled deal have made him the ideal long-term prospect in the Bay Area. Whether a package of Kuminga and Moses Moody (plus draft picks) is enough to pry Markkanen away from the Jazz will remain to be seen.

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Warriors believe Podziemski is a future All-Star

The Golden State Warriors coaching staff and front office view Brandin Podziemski as a future All-Star.

Brandin Podziemski enjoyed a stellar rookie season with the Golden State Warriors. He played in 74 regular-season games, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range. He earned himself an All-Rookie First-Team selection due to his high level of play, both off the bench and in the starting lineup.

During a recent news conference at Las Vegas Summer League, Joe Lacob revealed that the Warriors coaching staff and front office believe Podizemski is a future All-Star. He cited the young guard’s deep skillset as a primary reason why everyone in the organization is so high on him.

“He was a revelation, to be quite honest,” Lacob said. “Steve [Kerr] had troubles getting him off the floor. He had to have him on the floor he was so good. He does so many things well. He’s ultra confident, he’s got an NBA body, he can get wherever he wants. He obviously can shoot threes. He can drive, he can pass. What can’t he do?”

Podziemski has been floated in multiple trade rumors in recent weeks, with his name being linked to a deal for Lauri Markkanen. However, if the Warriors truly view Podziemski as a future All-Star, they will likely be steadfast in their desire to keep him on the roster long-term.

The Warriors have been straddling two timelines for multiple years. Now, with Steph Curry and Draymond Green entering the final stage of their career, the younger core is getting an opportunity to step up. Podziemski looks like a potential star of the future, and that should encourage Warriors fans around the world.

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Jazz asking price for Lauri Markkanen could scare off Warriors

The Utah Jazz have set a lofty asking price for a potential Lauri Markkanen trade.

The Golden State Warriors could potentially back out of negotiations for Lauri Makkanen. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Utah Jazz want a package centered around Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and future draft capital in return for the multi-skilled forward.

The Warriors have reportedly made Kuminga untouchable in trade discussions this summer. As such, the Jazz must lower their expectations in terms of a potential trade package, otherwise the Warriors could walk away from the negotiating table and look elsewhere for some additional improvements to the roster.

“The Jazz, however, have asked for the bulk of young talent and capital the Warriors possess, including Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, along with picks, which has been a non-starter thus far for Golden State, league sources said,” Charania reported.

Markkanen will enter unrestricted free agency next summer. The Warriors would undoubtedly want assurances he would re-sign with the franchise before parting with any of their young talents or future draft assets.

Nevertheless, Golden State is highly unlikely to part with its entire young core, especially Kuminga. As such, Utah is running the risk of pricing Markkanen out of trade this summer, which could hinder the team when he hits the free-agent market in 2025.

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Brandin Podziemski targeting Most Improved Player award next season

Brandin Podziemski wants to challenge for the Most Improved Player award next season.

Brandin Podziemski wants to compete for the Most Improved Player award next season. He will be entering his sophomore year with the Golden State Warriors. During his debut campaign, Podziemski played in 74 regular season games, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range.

Due to his impressive performances, Podziemski was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team. During a recent interview with Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina, Podziemski shared that he hopes to challenge for the Most Improved Player award in the upcoming season. As such, the young guard is likely hoping to carve out a bigger role for himself within the Warriors rotation.

“Individually, I want to be able to be in the conversation and win Most Improved Player of the Year,” Podziemski said. “I want to partake in the Rising Stars game again because it’s in San Francisco next season. I want to participate in the Skills Challenge. That would be fun. Then I want to put my name up there as an up-and-coming star of the league. I’m ready to make the year two jump. As far as team goals, obviously you want to win a title. We have some older guys. But even just to make the playoffs, honestly. That feeling of being done in mid-April and you have to watch everybody else in the playoffs, that hurts.”

Due to Klay Thompson’s departure, Podziemski could earn some additional playing time next season. The sophomore guard has spent the opening weeks of the summer with the Team USA select team and will undoubtedly want to prove he’s capable of competing with the main roster in the future.

Podziemski has set himself a lofty goal. It will be interesting to see how close he gets to making it a reality.

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Brandin Podziemski hopes to help fill the Klay Thompson void

The Golden State Warriors guard is hoping to earn a bigger role in his sophomore season.

Brandin Podziemski enjoyed a strong rookie season with the Golden State Warriors. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team at the end of the season. Now, with Klay Thompson joining the Dallas Mavericks, Podziemski can earn himself a bigger role in Steve Kerr’s rotation.

During a recent interview with Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina, Podziemski discussed the opportunity that Thompson’s departure could create for him. He noted that replacing the four-time NBA champion will take a group effort, but he’s hoping to get the chance to prove himself.

“I’m excited for that. My goal all along has been to be a second star to him or a third star with Jonathan (Kuminga),” Podziemski said. “I know there are a lot of 3s off the table now with Klay gone. We’re going to have to make that up in some facet. So it has been a big part of my game that I’ve been working on. But I know a bunch of our guys, both our vets and our young guys are not stupid. They see that Klay’s gone. So it’s an opportunity for a lot of people.”

Golden State has multiple young talents they can lean on in the coming season, with Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis being the core trio that can potentially crack the rotation and earn significant playing time.

Mike Dunleavy Jr. has done an admirable job in rounding out the Warriors roster since Thompson’s departure. However, if the franchise wants to get back into the playoffs, they’re going to need their younger stars to take a significant developmental step forward.

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Warriors rookies named to USA Select team

The Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis have both been named to the Team USA Select Team.

Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis have been named to the USA Select Team. The Golden State Warriors duo both enjoyed strong rookie seasons and will now get the chance to continue improving their game against some of the best talent in the United States. Their inclusion is a testament to the development they both displayed during the regular season.

Podziemski and Jackson-Davis will likely want to impress during their time with the Select Team. After all, both will likely harbor hopes of eventually cracking the Team USA rotation and representing their country in future international events.

“As a former member of the USA Select Team, I know how important and fun this opportunity is for each of these players,” Grant Hill said. “There is a tremendous amount of talent on this Select squad with the significant job of helping the 2024 USA Men’s National Team as they begin their journey to the Olympics. Each of these athletes will play a role in our preparation as we also develop the national team pipeline for the future.”

The Warriors’ young stars will undoubtedly be looking forward to playing with their Select Team teammates and proving they belong at that level. Of course, Golden State’s front office will likely view their selection as proof that the team’s younger contingent are all on track with their development and progress.

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Brandin Podziemski credits Warriors staff and teammates after award

Brandin Podziemski discussed his selection to the All-Rookie first team in a recent press conference for the Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors selected Brandin Podziemski with the 19th pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He immediately hit the ground running. Throughout the season, the rookie guard earned praise from his veteran teammates and even earned himself a spell in the starting lineup. On Monday (May 20), Podziemski was selected to the 2024 All-Rookie first team.

When speaking to the media following the announcement, the rookie guard credited his teammates and coaches for helping him develop through the year. He also noted how his own work ethic allowed him to thrive on a roster full of elite talent that had championship aspirations coming into the season.

“It means a lot,” Podziemski said. “In the offseason, you think about the journey, where you came from and what steps it took to get here. Being the 19th pick in an organization where not a lot of rookies get to play and ending up on first-team All-Rookie. It’s a credit to my work ethic but also to my teammates and the coach’s and front office for providing the opportunity. And then me just taking full advantage of it. It means a lot. It was something I had on a goal list of mine coming into the year. It’s pretty cool because you only get to be a rookie one time.”

Podziemski played in 74 games for the Warriors this season, starting 28 of them. He ended the year with averages of 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range.

Following his selection to the All-Rookie first team, Podziemski will enter next season with increased expectations on his shoulders. Golden State has multiple young talents in their rotation, which means their future is looking bright. For now, though, it’s all about maximizing the final few years of the championship core.

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Brandin Podziemski tipped to make All-Rookie first team

The Golden State Warriors rookie is being tipped to make the 2024 All-Rookie first team.

Brandin Podziemski was a bright spot in the Golden State Warriors‘ season. The rookie has impressed with his veteran-like approach, scoring and rebounding ability. He quickly became a core part of Steve Kerr’s roster and played some stretches with the starting unit.

After such an impressive debut season, Podziemski is being tipped to earn a spot in the 2024 All-Rookie first team. Speaking to “Give Me Sport,” Mark Medina shared his reasoning why Podziemski could make the prestigious first team and how he would slot right into that All-Rookie lineup.

“I don’t think there’s really any debate,” Medina said. “Victor Wembanyama’s a big, same with Chet Holmgren. Brandon Miller’s a forward. So, he’s slotted in to get that All-Rookie first team, and he has backed it up with his play. … He was second among his rookie class in plus-minus just behind Chet Holmgren, and when you’re looking at what he did with the Warriors, 61 steals, second behind Chris Paul. He led the team in charges as well, and that shows his defensive acumen.”

Podziemski has a bright future with the Warriors. He’s going to continue improving. His dedication and veteran mindset should allow him to navigate the inevitable slumps he will experience. He is also expected to work hard during the summer to improve his all-around game.

In 74 regular-season games, Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range.  His sophomore season will certainly come with challenges, but after such a strong debut year, there will be hope he can prove himself as a building block for the future.

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