“Coach Kerr Compares Me to Austin Reaves a Lot”: Stephen Curry’s Mentee Talks about Learning from 2x MVP, Comparisons to Lakers Star

The Golden State Warriors have a deep bench this season. Even rookies like Brandin Podziemski are looking good coming off the bench at the start of the 2023-24 season. Before making his NBA regular season debut, Brandin Podz sat down for an interview with the Bay Area sports station, 95.7 The Game, revealing his experience working with the Warriors.

The 20-year-old was quick to mention how two-time MVP and the Dubs’ team leader Stephen Curry has taken him under his wing. The youngster even mentioned how Warriors head coach Steve Kerr already draws similarities between him and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Brandin Podziemski talks about Stephen Curry, Austin Reaves comparisons

Podziemski isn’t the only kid coming into the NBA who is an admirer of Stephen Curry. But what’s unique in his case is that he gets to learn from his idol first-hand every single day in practice.

During an interview with radio show, 95.7 The Game,  Podziemski talked about grasping the intricacies of the game from one of the greatest players of all time. He told the host, “He [Curry] includes me in everything that he can. Taking me under his wing and teaching me all the little things. I’m trying to be a similar player. He’s not the best athlete, but he’s unbelievably skilled.”

Brandin Podziemski on Curry’s mentorship: “He includes me in everything that he can. Taking me under his wing and teaching me all the little things. I’m trying to be a similar player. He’s not the best athlete, but he’s unbelievably skilled.”

(via @SteinyGuru957)

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 23, 2023

This isn’t the first time we have seen Steph take a rookie under his wing. Jordan Poole is one of Curry’s proteges as well. But Curry is not the only person who has been paying attention to  Podziemski. The 19th overall pick of the 2023 Draft even mentioned that he has been talking to head coach Steve Kerr a lot. According to him, “Coach [Kerr] compares me to Austin Reaves a lot. Going undrafted to now getting a big contract. He does a little of everything. I watch a lot of him.”

Brandin Podziemski: “Coach [Kerr] compares me to Austin Reaves a lot. Going undrafted to now getting a big contract. He does a little of everything. I watch a lot of him.”

(via @SteinyGuru957)

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 23, 2023

Austin Reaves has established himself as a reliable third option for the Los Angeles Lakers, which earned him a four-year $54 million deal with the LA side this summer. Podziemski certainly has a lot of work to do if he aspires to emulate Reaves in the NBA.

Podz showed up for the Warriors in the NBA preseason

Brandin Podziemski was the 19th pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft. Being the 19th overall pick did come with a bag of its own as he is estimated to sign a 4-year/ $16.2 million contract with the Dubs.

At #19 overall, Brandin Podziemski should sign a 4 year $16.2M contract with the #Warriors including salaries of:

23-24: $3.3M
24-25: $3.5M
25-26: $3.6M (club option)
26-27: $5.6M (club option)https://t.co/SSB9ddaIwa

— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 23, 2023

Leaving aside the money and the glamour, Podz has a lot to prove before he can start for the Warriors. The young guard had a decent outing this preseason, putting up 11, 10, 4, and 2 points respectively in his four outings so far. But like most Warriors prospects, we will probably see Podziemski grow over the next year or so.