SAN FRANCISCO — Division of labor became instantly clear at the Chase Center during scrimmages when a group wearing blue jerseys took the floor together. Head coach Steve Kerr officially confirmed after practice that the blue unit featuring Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, Draymond Green, and veteran Al Horford will form the Steve Kerr Warriors starting lineup for Sunday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.
With Jimmy Butler sidelined, Golden State desperately needs consistent downhill penetration to prevent their offense from becoming overly jumper dependent. Fortunately for the Golden State Warriors, second year guard Brandin Podziemski delivered a dominant offensive performance throughout camp as he positions himself for a contract extension worth at least 25 million annually. That’s what his camp wants according to multiple reports.
Blue print for success features a new Steve Kerr Warriors starting lineup
Unveiling this five man group highlights a fascinating pivot toward frontcourt size and multi positional decision making. Kerr praised the lineup for combining frontcourt length with elite floor spacing, noting that Horford, Lendeborg, and Podziemski can all shoot from distance while creating plays. Although questions remain about managing the minutes of the veteran center across an 82 game slate, launching the campaign with this initial group gives Golden State incredible balance. Rookie wing Yaxel Lendeborg adds dynamic length and athleticism, allowing the coaching staff to surround Curry with four capable decision makers who can instantly punish defensive rotations. He’s a do-it-all forward who excels at all the right things that lead to winning basketball.
Drawing contact and drawing rave reviews in the Bay Area
While the new starting group generated major headlines, the absolute standout player of the day was unquestionably Brandin Podziemski. According to reports from NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Dalton Johnston, the aggressive guard dominated scrimmages by directing traffic, drawing fouls almost at will, and repeatedly orchestrating fastbreak opportunities. Kerr applauded his ability to understand officiating angles and handle ball distribution from any spot on the floor. Lendeborg echoed that sentiment, calling his backcourt partner an elite scorer who effortlessly manipulates transition defense to draw fouls and finish through contact.
Oh, he’s an elite scorer,” Lendeborg said of Podziemski. “Pretty much every time we’re in a fastbreak drill, he can easily get in there and manipulate the defense, get an and-1, get a couple free throws easily. That’s something I’ve been noticing really, really quickly.”
Defensive metrics paint a picture worth 25 million annually
Securing a major payday requires proving he can be the primary engine behind Curry, especially after posting a slightly disappointing net rating of negative 0.1 last year. However, examining underlying Cleaning the Glass metrics reveals why front office executives remain believers in his ceiling. On the defensive end, the young guard posted absurd impact numbers, ranking in the 95th percentile in defensive efficiency by holding opponents to 7.5 fewer points per 100 possessions. Furthermore, his ability to force turnovers placed him in the 93rd percentile relative to his peers. Integrating that elite defensive floor with his newfound aggressive scoring gives the Golden State Warriors a high ceiling guard ready to command top market money.
Taking the wheel on a high stakes contract year
Ultimately, keeping his starting role in the Steve Kerr Warriors starting lineup gives the ambitious guard every opportunity to prove his worth as restricted free agency approaches. He earned 43 starts last season after appearing in all 82 games, with majority of those coming at the back end of the season. That continuity will only build his confidence. Golden State cannot afford to rely purely on jumpers, making his relentless drives and floor vision essential for sustained regular season success. If this camp dominance translates into official game action, the rising star will justify his targeted 25 million annual price tag while keeping the franchise squarely in championship contention.
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