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Warriors coach Steve Kerr singled out Kevin Looney and Brandin Podziemski’s contributions. Credited Looney’s physical presence on the interior and Podziemski’s defense against Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson, who shot 7 or 20 against Golden State.

“I think we're the best rookie duo in the league.'

— Brandin Podziemski on him and TJD

Excited for the opportunity and ready make and impact in the U.P ‼️

Welcome GERALD GITTENS JR to the Wildcat 🏀 family.

Gerald is coming off a tremendous year at NCAA D2 UMary where he averaged 13.8 PPG 4.5 RPG 3.1 APG.

He’s a perfect lead guard in our system and is equally comfortable scoring and making the right read off ball screen’s. #GoCats

Podz drops the DIME to Jonathan Kuminga who slams it home 🤝

Brandin Podziemski has the 5th highest +/- by a rookie a guard in NBA history (+277).

4/11/24 Top #NBA Rookies 🏀 Pt. 2

Taylor Hendricks: 5p, 4r, 4a, 3s, 0t
Kris Murray: 14p, 4r, 2a, 0t
Scoot Henderson: 18p, 3r, 12a, 2s, 9t
Brandin Podziemski: 9p, 3r, 4a, 0t
Adama Sanogo: 4p, 6r, 1t
Andrew Funk: 0p, 0t
Jalen Slawson: 0p, 0t
Colby Jones: 0p, 2t

Brandin Podziemski tonight:

9 PTS
4 AST (T-2nd most on team)
3 REB
1 charge drawn
+13 (2nd best on team)

LOCKED UP SCOOT IN THE CLUTCH.

In conclusion, Podz has proved this season that he’s more than worthy of making First-Team All Rookie.

Not only does Podz pass the eye test, but there are multiple pieces of data to support his case.

Do the right thing NBA

When it comes to games with at least 10 PTS, 5 REB, and 5 AST, Podz has 17 of those games.

Wemby is the only other rookie in the NBA to have more games of 10/5/5, as he has 22.

No other rookie has more than 8 games of 10/5/5.

Podz is also a sneaky good defender. He has 59 STL this season, which is good for 2nd most on the warriors.

He also leads the entire NBA in charges drawn with 36.

Obviously, no other rookie ranked ahead of him has more charges drawn.

Podz is also an exceptional rebounder. He has 408 REB this season, 3rd most among all rookies.

The two rookies ahead of him are 7’5 Wemby and 7’1 Chet Holmgren.

Podz is just a 6’5 guard.

And 4 out of the 5 rookies ranked ahead of Podz on NBA.com’s ladder has recorded more turnovers than him this season.

The one rookie that has recorded less turnovers is Amen Thompson with 84.

However, Amen only has around HALF of Podz’s total assists.

To go even deeper into Podz’s high-level playmaking, let’s take a look at his turnovers.

Podz has recorded 266 AST and only 87 turnovers this season, which equates to a 3:1 AST-to-TOV ratio.

That ratio ranks #1 among all rookies in the league.

Furthermore, Podz is one of the best rookie playmakers in the league.

Podz averages 3.7 APG, 4th best among all rookies this season.

Wemby is the only rookie ranked ahead of him to average more APG.

Not only is Podz a supreme positive, he’s also an efficient scorer.

He ranks 2nd among all rookies in 3P%, shooting 38.8% from long range.

Every rookie ranked ahead of him on the ladder shoots 37.4% or worse from three.

And the leader in +/- on the Dubs is not who you would expect.

It’s not Hall of Famer, top 5 player of all time Steph Curry. It’s not the legendary Chris Paul. It’s not Draymond Green, the greatest defensive player of all time.

It’s the 21 year-old rookie, Brandin Podziemski.

Podz has been a walking positive this season. With a plus-minus of +264, he ranks 2nd among all rookies in that category.

Here’s how he compares against the 5 ranked ahead of him:

Chet: +376
Podz: +264
Jaquez Jr: +57
Amen Thompson: +19
Wemby: -131
Brandon Miller: -495

Brandin Podziemski is ranked 6th on NBA.com’s final rookie ladder.

Here’s why Podz deserves to be ranked higher and should be on First-Team All Rookie.

(A thread)