Kerr talks about how Warriors’ Schröder trade affects Podziemski’s role originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors’ acquisition of point guard Dennis Schröder likely gives Golden State a significant boost, but how will it impact Brandin Podziemski’s role with the team?
Warriors coach Steve Kerr believes Schröder will have a positive impact on the second-year guard, who can now return to a role he thrived in during his standout rookie season last season.
“I think this will help Brandin. If you think about last year, he was playing alongside Chris Paul and/or Steph [Curry] most of his minutes,” Kerr told reporters before Sunday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. “This year, stepping into a primary ball-handling role is a much tougher job. I think this will actually help him settle into a more familiar role he was in last year.
“Again, you never know how this is going to turn out. There is an opportunity for everyone to come in and pass. We have to find combinations that fit, that’s the most important thing. We’re looking for two-way combinations. So we’ll just let it play out. “
After averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists as a rookie, Podziemski’s numbers dropped across the board during the 2024-25 NBA season (7.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists).
Schröder has been exceptional this season, averaging 18.4 points, 6.6 assists and three rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game.
Flanked by another reliable ball handler, Podziemski thrived last season en route to NBA All-Rookie First-Team honors.
Ideally, Schröder provides an extra security blanket that allows Podziemski to return to his rookie form as Golden State looks for an NBA playoff spot.
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