‘You better show us why’: Joe Lacob forced Brandin Podziemski into ‘unfair’ situation after Klay Thompson’s departure, Bay Area veterans say

Joe Lacob has always been a big supporter of Brandin Podziemski when it comes to trading him for Lauri Markkanen. It was one of the most discussed offseason trade proposals. However, the Golden State Warriors manager was not willing to “potential All-Star.” With the Podziemski trade yet to happen, it seems that the 21-year-old will continue to pursue ambitious goals on the Dubs team. But isn’t that asking too much considering the young shooting guard’s age?

According to a media interaction that took place on “95.7 The Game”, Brandin Podziemski confessed that he “I felt like I was improving more than I have this year, or rather this offseason, since my penultimate and senior year of high school.” But that’s not all. It seems like the Dubs have groomed Podziemski to be their most important player going forward. “I feel really good. I got the floaters out, got the hook shots out. I made more from mid-range, more threes from the dribble, more threes from the catch,” Podz gave insight into his training in the offseason.

“So I just added different things and then tried to take on the challenge of being out there with Steph every night,” it looks like the Warriors have already found a successor to Klay Thompson’s throne. After Klay’s departure, Dubs’ biggest concern was always a permanent replacement for the legendary shooting guard. However, ‘95.7 The Game’ Hosts Evan Giddings and Dan Devone felt that this was too much responsibility considering Podziemski’s age. “There’s a lot of pressure on that kid. If he’s really the reason they didn’t want to use him for Paul George or Lauri Markkanen. Well, brother, you better show us why.”

Co-host Dan Devone agreed with Giddings’ sentiment, adding: “I think the Warriors, without bringing him in and without all that information leaking out, have honestly put him in an unfair position. … I think he’s expected to be the starting shooting guard.” According to Devone, the “a lot of pressure” on Podziemski as he will follow in the footsteps of future Hall of Famers.

If what is happening at Dubs is wrong or ‘unfair,’ what can be done to make it right?

How can Joe Lacob put Brandin Podziemski in a fair situation?

The Bay Area veterans knew that the No. 2 spot on the Dubs’ roster next season would be a backup to Klay Thompson. But it wasn’t meant to be a permanent position. The same thought crossed Giddings’ mind. “I think it should be completely open. It should be like a summer tryout. …It doesn’t say in bold, I’m going to put Podziemski as number two.” In contrast, Joe Lacob has put Brandin Podziemski in the spotlight. It should have been more of a competition for a spot between Moody and Podz.

The size difference between Moody and Podziemski isn’t too big. Podz is 6’4″ and 200 pounds, while Moody is 6’5″ and 200 pounds. The skills Moses offers as a guard can be a contender for Brandin Podziemski. However, he will have to be up to the task. The Dubs’ shooting guard (Podz) is already putting in the work and Moody is in the final year of his contract. If he wants to cash a big check from the Warriors’ front office, he will have to rise to the challenge.

Last year, Moody averaged 8.1 points and 3 assists compared to Podz’s 9.2 points and 5.8 assists. However, Brandin Podziemski appeared in 74 games last season. Moses Moody, on the other hand, only appeared in 66 games. Plus, it will take some of the pressure off Brandin Podziemski’s shoulders in the long run. The Dubs are not only getting two reliable shooting guards, but two competitive ones.

Giddings was even willing to give Andrew Wiggins a shot at the post. However, he is more of a scorer than a guard. He justifies his position as a small forward, as he averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season. In addition, despite his height advantage of 6’7″, his weight is a disadvantage. In addition, he does not feel as big as the other players on the roster. Even Giddings agreed that Wiggins “too small at the guard spot.”

So Joe Lacob may be being too harsh on a player of this young caliber. There’s no doubt that Klay Thompson hasn’t been as good as he once was over the past two years. However, his departure has left no small void. Plus, he’s still tried to deliver on his reputation. If the Dubs’ front office is so hush-hush about winning the championship, it’s a mistake. They’ll kill hopes for the future if they focus too much on Curry’s fairytale retirement. What do you all think of this move by Joe Lacob to take Brandin Podziemski as the new Klay? Share your views in the comments.