Steve Kerr this week praised rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis and believes the two could eventually be in the rotation for the Golden State Warriors.
He could also see them log some time in the G League, too.
Podziemski, the 19th pick, averaged 6.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists in four games this preseason. He averaged 24 minutes per game. Jackson-Davis, the 57th pick, posted averages of 6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.
With so many established players ahead of them, Podziemski and Jackson-Davis could see sporadic minutes this season. However, they have shown that they can contribute in the preseason and practice, and could be called upon, Kerr said on Monday.
I think (the G League) is absolutely an option. Santa Cruz is such a part of our organization. I think we’ve learned a lot over the years that if a player isn’t in the rotation here, playing there for an extended period is really valuable. That is where you truly see the improvement. I think that is always going to be a viable option.
I could see both guys also being in the rotation at some point because they’re that good. It is a great problem to have, but for those guys, part of being a rookie is understanding this is a weird league. You can go from playing in the G League and being away from the team to being in the starting lineup. … Both guys have to be ready for anything.
The Warriors have utilized their G League affiliate often in the past for draft picks, including current players Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Those players both found some success and benefited from their time in Santa Cruz.
Kerr believes Podziemski and Jackson-Davis both have a great feel for the game and are at an advanced level at this stage of their careers. The team likes the scoring and playmaking ability of Podziemski, and how Jackson-Davis can defend and rebound, among other traits.
The two may not see the court much when the Warriors tip off the regular season on Tuesday versus Phoenix, but it shouldn’t be surprising to see them eventually on the court contributing this season.
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