Kerr Praised Podziemski as Warriors Opened Camp
As the team holds training camp in Hawaii, Steve Kerr has publicly backed Brandin Podziemski for a starting role.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you believe your local team should prioritize veteran players over younger prospects during the season?
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has praised Brandin Podziemski as one of the team's top contributors as the squad kicked off training camp in Hawaii. The comments have drawn immediate pushback from fans on social media who question the coach's appraisal of the fourth-year player.
Why it matters
The back-and-forth reflects a tension between the organization's strategic vision for the roster and a portion of the fanbase that feels the coaching staff shows unfair favoritism. Critics argue that Podziemski lacks the necessary consistency to anchor the starting lineup, creating a debate over who should claim the minutes at shooting guard.
During his final 2025-26 stretch, Brandin Podziemski averaged 17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 38 percent from three-point range. He is entering the season with an annual salary of $5.7 million.
The players
Steve Kerr
He is the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
Brandin Podziemski
He is a fourth-year shooting guard competing for a starting spot with the Golden State Warriors.
The details
Following early practices in Hawaii, Steve Kerr told media members that he considers Podziemski one of the team's best players, signaling an intent to increase the guard's perimeter shooting volume this season. Podziemski, who started 27 games last year, is now competing with teammates like De'Anthony Melton, Gui Santos, and Yaxel Lendeborg for primary roster minutes. Fans have taken to social media to voice frustrations, arguing that the coach overlooks more consistent alternatives.
Timeline
2025-26 regular season: Podziemski started 27 games for the franchise.
October 2026: The Warriors traveled to Hawaii to open training camp.
Across the Bay
This public debate over roster roles follows the rotation patterns established during the 2025-26 regular season. The current training camp comments mark a shift from the previous year's usage as the team attempts to finalize its perimeter core.
As the Warriors continue their preseason training in Hawaii, fans will be watching to see how the rotation shifts when the team returns to the Chase Center. The primary question remains whether the coaching staff sticks to these projected lineups throughout the upcoming schedule.
The takeaway
Pay close attention to the shooting guard rotation as the team returns from Hawaii to start the new season. Track how the team distributes perimeter minutes during early home games to see if the coach’s stated intent to increase Podziemski’s volume bears out on the court.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves and preseason developments, visit Basketball.
Live Poll
Do you believe your local team should prioritize veteran players over younger prospects during the season?
