Draymond Green Guides Young Warrior Podziemski Ahead of NBA Season

SAN FRANCISCO — Draymond Green, the veteran leader of the Golden State Warriors, shared insights on team dynamics after Sunday’s practice. The 35-year-old spoke about the importance of earning trust among teammates, particularly focusing on 22-year-old Brandin Podziemski.

Green’s comments came in response to Podziemski’s aspirations to uphold the Warriors’ longstanding standard. In a lengthy response, Green expressed respect for the young player’s confidence and desire to contribute, but also offered caution about the challenges that come with high expectations.

“It’s very hard to give someone confidence. I think with BP, you appreciate the respect,” Green said. “You hope that the young guys that come in respect you. Because if you do respect, then there’s so much to give from us.”

Green, who has played 13 seasons and won four championships with the Warriors, emphasized the importance of maintaining the franchise’s success. “We care about the organization,” Green remarked. “Good, bad or indifferent, we’re tied to this thing forever.”

As the Warriors gear up for the new NBA season, keeping their veteran core healthy is crucial. Green’s guidance to Podziemski is particularly valuable, as the team expects young players to step up when veterans need rest. “So to hear BP say that, it’s exciting. But as a leader, for him, you also understand what that comes with,” Green noted.

He also reminded Podziemski to protect his confidence and to be wary of oversharing his goals, saying, “Don’t tell people too much. Because the more you tell people, the more they try to use it against you.”

Head coach Steve Kerr has praised Podziemski throughout training camp and indicated he might join Green and Stephen Curry in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.

As the Warriors enter the season under pressure to perform, Green remains committed to mentoring the next generation, hoping to prepare them for the challenges of professional basketball. “Stay in that spot as long as you can because so much more comes with it when you get to a spot where you want to go,” Green advised. “That’s what you want.”