NBA Sophomores Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandin Podziemski Anticipated to Excel in New Season

MIAMI (AP) — As the NBA pre-season wraps up, attention turns to a batch of sophomore players expected to make significant impacts in the upcoming season. Among them are Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski. Following impressive rookie campaigns, both players are set to take on expanded roles for their respective teams.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandin Podziemski were both non-lottery picks drafted back-to-back in 2023, with Jaquez being picked at number 18 and Podziemski following at number 19. They are part of a growing trend of players who exceed the expectations set by their draft positions. Last season, both athletes were named to the NBA All-Rookie first team, a testament to their exceptional performances.

“During the pre-draft process, I told all the GMs and all the front offices that interviewed me that in the re-draft I would go top-five,” Podziemski stated, highlighting his confidence. This assertion was not unfounded, as Podziemski received 97 out of 99 votes for the All-Rookie team selection, with Jaquez appearing on all 99 ballots. These results underline the high expectations held for them as they enter their second NBA season.

Both players have shared experiences that contribute to their on-court chemistry. Coming from West Coast colleges, Jaquez attended UCLA and Podziemski was at Santa Clara. They trained together before their rookie seasons and were also selected to be part of the USA Basketball’s Select Team, participating in preparations for the senior national team aiming for Olympic gold.

Jaquez has expressed that his draft position does not define his career, saying, “No matter where you get drafted, you’ve got to go out and play.” For Jaquez, his goals are centered around improving his defense and leveraging his understanding of basketball to benefit the Miami Heat.

In terms of last season’s statistics, Jaquez ranked fifth in total points and third in steals among rookies, while Podziemski was third in total rebounds and fourth in assists among his peers. Following the departure of key veterans such as Klay Thompson from the Warriors and Caleb Martin from the Heat, both young players are poised to take on more responsibilities to fill these voids.

Golden State’s Draymond Green referred to the varied growth rates experienced by players, using the careers of Steph Curry and LeBron James as examples. “The rate that that growth happens, it varies for everyone,” he said. “You look at where the two are today… but that’s just kind of how the cookie crumbles sometimes because it’s not a direct science.”

As Jaquez and Podziemski prepare for the season ahead, they are joined by other sophomores expected to advance, including Portland’s Scoot Henderson and Dallas’ Dereck Lively II. The league and fans alike will be watching closely to see how these young talents develop and contribute to their teams’ successes.