Brandin Podziemski hopes to help fill the Klay Thompson void

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.