They are expected to make some key roster choices as the Golden State Warriors prepare for a busy offseason.
On March 30th, the Golden State Warriors briefly dispatched the San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors scored 148-106, never chasing, led by Brandin Poziemsky’s 27 points. He shot 7 out of 9 from 3-point range in the win and the Warriors shot 47.7% from deep, making it impossible for the Spurs to stay in the game.
Podziemski has overcome overcoming the late start of the season over the last few months and has returned to his all-newcomer form since last year. During his rookie campaign, he looked like the type of player the Warriors could build on the tail end of Stephen Curry’s career, but developing young talent is his last thing he does after all in on Jimmy Butler in February.
To fans, this story should sound familiar. The Warriors won the title in 2022. Young Jordan Pool stepped up in a big way, but he soon ran out of town by eager to see Draymond Green and his team floating around.
Unfortunately, a similar story could occur with Podziemski.
The Warriors have revealed since last season that Posiemski has seen them as a long-term fixture in their rotation, but he started the season cold and it took him a while to get his hot hand back.
Before the All-Star break, he averaged 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 stills, only 32% from the 3-point range. He has improved ever since and has benefited greatly from Butler’s arrival.
Steve Kerr appears to think Posiemski can fit in his current rotation.
Heading towards next season, the Warriors will have a very realistic title aspirations. They have Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, who are still under contract, extending Butler over the next two seasons.
With title or bust mentality, Posiemsky’s recent stretch may have pushed his place in future rotations, hoping that Golden State will make a move with short-term success on their minds.
Heading into the summer, Jonathan Cuminga, Gary Payton II and Kevon Rooney will all become free agents. Moses Moody and Buddy Heald are the subject of several trade speculations, and Posiemsky was unremarkable in meetings with Lori Markanen and Paul George last season, but this is not the case this summer.
After swapping the pool for the Washington Wizard in 2023, the Warriors missed the playoffs the following year. The lessons were clearly learned. A certain degree of continuity is good, and leaving a good vibe intact is more valuable than adding random talent.
Even if the All-Start Rio and the best youngsters fit in the best this summer, they will probably stay in Golden State. Kuminga and Butler don’t actually share the floor, and his recent injuries continue to prevent it. Moody’s trade value is likely to be the highest ever, with Poziemsky having averaged 17 points in his last five matches with absurd efficiency and proven that he can share the court with established stars.
Moving forward, Poziemsky may have forced the Warriors to think long and hard before saying goodbye to him again.