Brandin Podziemski

Overview

Brandin Podziemski is a playmaking combo guard with good size.  He is the prototype sixth man who can be dynamic in a secondary role.  Podziemski is an excellent connector that will get extra possessions with his energy and ball awareness.   Athleticism and length are questions especially defensively.  Podziemski makes up for his deficiencies inhustle, play making and shooting efficiency.  Podziemski makes winning plays on both sides of the floor.

NBA Skills: High IQ, efficient shooting and playmaking

Offense

Podziemski checks all the statistical boxes when compared to previously drafted NBA guards.  He was the focal point of an overachieving Santa Clara team (23-10) that had lost surprise lottery pick, Jalen Williams. He shot efficiently both from the floor 48% FGA and from 3, 44% 3FGA.   Podziemski already has a menu of soft touch finishes in his arsenal, a must for second side players to score when the ball is reversed.  Defenses will not be able to load up to stop Podziemski’s threes as he is crafty enough to finish in the mid range but also makes excellent decisions in the half court.

Podziemski is a crafty inventive shot maker.  He can be infuriating for longer, more athletic players to defend because he is not an explosive athlete.  Podziemski attacks athletically superior players with angles, craft and spatial awareness.  His patience in P/R action allows him to make the right play after the defense commits.  Has shown some shot creation but it is unlikely to translate at the NBA level.  There are some signals that Podziemski feasted on low competition in the WCC conference where he shot 64% True Shooting in conference and just 53.3% against Tier A competition (according to KenPom).  A smart, heady player, Podziemski’s best skills are the same essential skills that successful NBA combo guards possess. 

Podziemski is excellent at all the play types that NBA teams run.   His versatility in the half court is better than almost all other players in his draft class.  He can play almost any style and contribute to winning.

Assists and decision making

Brand Podziemski is a solid playing making combo guard.  His assists are in line with previously drafted NBA guards.  Podziemski has crafty and advanced passes on his menu; transition touch passes, P/R pocket passes, one handed dribble passes out of P/R, weak side kick out, wrap around interior passes.  All of these translate to the NBA level.  Given his high usage, his 26.4 USG, is impressive given his low turnover average. 

Rebounding and defense

Podziemski’s rebounding and overall ball pursuit is the separator from all other guards in his class.   He is an elite rebounder.  He grabs almost 2X the rebounds of other guards.  Those extra possessions coming from a guard are valuable especially when combined with a low number of turnovers.  Podziemski IS A DOG!!!  Has to be given his lacking length, size and athleticism. But Podziemski’s competitiveness, toughness and IQ minimizes many of those deficiencies.  

Projection: Mid first round

Signature Game: Santa Clara v San Diego