2023 NBA Draft Live Tracker: Grading every pick made
2023 NBA Draft grade: No. 19 pick Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
Brandin Podziemski. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 19. player. 41. G. Santa Clara
Grade: A
Great pick. The Warriors have fumbled the last few drafts with high-upside, low-floor picks that didn’t fit the immediate title-contending window of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. In Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors get one of the best immediate contributor bets outside the lottery.
Podziemski faced doubts about the low level competition he faced at Santa Clara but he answered a lot of those questions with a strong pre-draft process. His quick processing speed and deep 3-point shooting ability makes him a seamless fit offensively. Podziemski won’t create his own shot prolifically, but he makes the right play every time and he plays with fire.
The defensive concerns are real, but Podziemski’s intelligence helps cover for some of the athletic concerns. He blows up a lot of plays with his activity off the ball. He’s going to fit beautifully with the Warriors.
From our NBA Draft Big Board:
"A 6-foot-6 guard with genuine craftiness off the dribble, three-level shot-making ability, and impressive rebounding numbers for his size, Podziemski is rapidly ascending draft boards. A lot of concern with the 20-year-old is tied to the lack of high-profile competition faced at Santa Clara, but just last season the Broncos produced an immediately impactful first-round pick in Jalen Williams."