Brandin Podziemski Bio
Brandin Thomas Podziemski, born on February 25, 2003, in Greenfield, Wisconsin, is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, he plays the guard position and wears jersey number 2 for the Warriors. Nicknamed “Podz” by teammates and fans, Podziemski has emerged as one of the most promising young guards in the league since being selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA draft.
Before reaching the NBA, Podziemski built a strong reputation in high school and college basketball, eventually winning the Wisconsin Mr. Basketball award in 2021. He played college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Santa Clara Broncos, finishing his college career as one of the top scorers in the West Coast Conference (WCC). His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking helped him earn multiple conference honors and a place on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2024.
Brandin Podziemski Early Life and Background
Podziemski grew up in Greenfield, Wisconsin, where he developed a passion for basketball at a young age. He attended St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin, a school known for combining rigorous academics with athletic development. The disciplined environment of the military academy helped shape his work ethic and competitive mindset, traits that have carried over into his professional career.
As a freshman, Podziemski did not play on the varsity team at Muskego High School, but after transferring to St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, he quickly became a standout. During his sophomore season, he averaged 22.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, earning first-team All-State honors. He continued to improve as a junior, averaging 27.6 points and 9.2 rebounds while repeating as a first-team All-State selection. His performance drew the attention of several major college basketball programs.
During his senior year, Podziemski was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball after averaging 35.1 points, 10 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4 steals per game. He was also recognized as the Gatorade Player of the Year for Wisconsin in 2021. Rated as a four-star recruit, he committed to playing college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini, choosing them over offers from Kentucky, Miami, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.
Brandin Podziemski Path to Basketball
Podziemski began his college basketball journey with the Illinois Fighting Illini in 2021. As a freshman, he appeared in 16 games, all off the bench, and averaged just 1.4 points per game. Despite the limited role, the experience gave him a glimpse of high-level college competition and helped him understand the work required to succeed at the next level.
Following his freshman season, Podziemski entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately chose to continue his career at Santa Clara. He joined the Santa Clara Broncos and quickly established himself as the team’s starting shooting guard. In the season opener against Eastern Washington, he exploded for 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals in an 84-72 win, signaling his arrival as a major offensive force. He followed that performance with 34 points and 11 rebounds against Georgia Southern, setting the tone for a breakout year.
By the end of his only season at Santa Clara, Podziemski had earned First-team All-WCC, WCC co-Player of the Year, and WCC Newcomer of the Year honors. He was also named to the NABC First Team and the USBWA All-District team. He set an SCU record with four WCC Player of the Week awards, scored 636 points (fourth-most in a single season in program history), and ranked fifth nationally in three-point field goal percentage at 43.8%. He was one of only three NCAA Division I men’s basketball players to average at least 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists that season.
Brandin Podziemski Career
Early Career (2023)
After declaring for the 2023 NBA draft and participating in the NBA Draft Combine, Podziemski received positive feedback and decided to remain in the draft. The Golden State Warriors selected him with the 19th overall pick in the first round. On July 3, 2023, the Warriors signed him to a contract, and he was also assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s NBA G League affiliate, for additional development.
Podziemski’s transition to the NBA was relatively smooth, as he quickly earned minutes in the Warriors’ rotation. His versatility as a guard allowed him to contribute in multiple areas, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. By the end of his rookie season, he had established himself as a key piece of the Warriors’ future.
Golden State Warriors Rookie Season (2023-2024)
During his rookie campaign, Podziemski showed flashes of brilliance. On December 12, 2023, against the Phoenix Suns, he became the first Golden State Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2009-10 to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game, finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. The performance highlighted his rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ for a young guard.
His strong play throughout the season earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, announced on May 21, 2024. Following the season, Podziemski was also selected to the USA Select Team ahead of the Olympic Games, joining teammate Trayce Jackson-Davis in representing the United States in a developmental capacity.
Golden State Warriors Second Season (2024-2025)
Podziemski’s second NBA season was marked by both growth and adversity. On December 28, 2024, during a 109-105 win over the Phoenix Suns, he suffered an abdominal injury in the second quarter that forced him to miss 12 consecutive games. He returned on January 23, 2025, recording 10 points and 4 rebounds in a blowout win against the Chicago Bulls.
After his return, Podziemski reached new offensive heights. On February 5, 2025, he tallied a then career-high 29 points, along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists, in a 131-128 loss to the Utah Jazz. A few weeks later, on February 8, the NBA announced that he would participate in the Rising Stars game as an injury replacement for Cason Wallace. On February 23, he recorded 17 points and a then career-high 13 rebounds in a 126-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks, notching his first double-double of the season. In the playoffs, he scored a then playoff career-high 28 points in a 121-110 closeout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Conference Semifinals on May 14, 2025.
Golden State Warriors Third Season (2025-2026)
Podziemski underwent successful left wrist debridement surgery on May 28, 2025, followed by an additional surgery on June 12, 2025, to repair a core muscle injury. After recovering from both procedures, he returned to the court and continued to develop his game. On April 10, 2026, Podziemski recorded a career-high 30 points in a 124-118 loss to the Sacramento Kings, demonstrating his growing scoring ability and offensive confidence.
Driving Style and Strengths
Podziemski is known for his exceptional feel for the game, court vision, and rebounding ability from the guard position. His scoring versatility allows him to score efficiently from beyond the arc, in the mid-range, and at the rim, while his high basketball IQ enables him to make smart decisions in pick-and-roll situations. He is also a willing and capable defender, using his size and anticipation to disrupt opposing guards.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Podziemski’s career came on December 12, 2023, when he became the first Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry to record 20-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and 5-plus assists in a single game. He has also earned recognition as an NBA All-Rookie First Team selection, WCC co-Player of the Year, and Wisconsin Mr. Basketball, marking him as one of the most decorated young players in recent memory.
Brandin Podziemski Career Wins
Throughout his basketball career, Brandin Podziemski has accumulated a series of individual awards and team achievements at every level. From high school honors in Wisconsin to conference accolades in college and NBA recognition as a professional, his trophy case reflects consistent excellence and steady improvement.
NBA Highlights
Podziemski’s most notable NBA achievement to date is his selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2024. He has also been a steady contributor for the Golden State Warriors, helping the team compete in the playoffs during the 2024-25 season. His career-high 30 points against the Sacramento Kings on April 10, 2026, stands as his top individual scoring performance in the league.
Other Wins and Performances
In high school, Podziemski won the prestigious Wisconsin Mr. Basketball award in 2021 and was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Wisconsin. At Santa Clara, he earned WCC co-Player of the Year, WCC Newcomer of the Year, and First-team All-WCC honors, along with NABC First Team and USBWA All-District recognition. He set a Santa Clara record with four WCC Player of the Week awards in a single season.
Brandin Podziemski Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Brandin Thomas Podziemski is of Polish descent and has expressed interest in obtaining Polish citizenship in order to play for the Poland national basketball team. He is being recruited to the team by fellow NBA player Jeremy Sochan, who also has Polish heritage and currently represents Poland internationally.
Personal Life
Podziemski remains focused on his basketball career and continues to develop his game with the Golden State Warriors. His Polish heritage and potential future with the Poland national team represent a meaningful personal and professional connection to his family roots.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season represented a major step forward for Brandin Podziemski, despite a midseason abdominal injury that forced him to miss 12 straight games. After returning in late January 2025, he quickly regained his form and posted career highs, including 29 points against the Utah Jazz and 13 rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks. His selection to the Rising Stars game further confirmed his status as one of the league’s top young talents.
In the playoffs, Podziemski continued to play a meaningful role for the Warriors, scoring 28 points in Game 5 of the Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although Golden State was eliminated in that series, his performance suggested a bright postseason future. Following the season, he underwent wrist and core muscle surgeries to address lingering issues and prepare for the 2025-26 campaign.
Looking ahead, Podziemski is expected to play an even larger role for the Warriors as he continues to refine his offensive game and defensive consistency. With his combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, he remains a cornerstone of Golden State’s long-term plans and one of the most promising young guards in the NBA.
