Brandin Podziemski Scouting Report: NBA Comparison, Draft Ranking, Highlights, Stats
Contents
Brandin Podziemski enters the 2023 NBA Draft with a small hope of making the lottery; however, he’s a sure-fire first round pick. Check out below for a Brandin Podziemski scouting report, NBA comparison, stats, highlights, draft ranking, and team fits. Other scouting reports can quickly be found on the Lineups 2023 Big Board or Final Mock Draft as well.
Brandin Podziemski Scouting Report
After scarcely playing his freshman year at Illinois, Podziemski transferred to Santa Clara and proceeded to dominate. He produced 19.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, and 1.8 SPG on an outstanding 48/43/77 shooting split. Franchises will hope that Podziemski follows in the footsteps of Santa Clara alum Jalen Williams, who earned All-Rookie First Team honors for the Oklahoma City Thunder this year.
Draft Age: 20.3
Height: 6’5”
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position: G
Team: Santa Clara
Strengths: Podziemski is the third best three-point shooter in this draft to me behind only Jordan Hawkins and Gradey Dick. He’s automatic if opponents leave him open, and Podziemski has no issue pulling up from three in a defender’s face. He also owns a beautiful floater and has a smooth touch on fadeaways and contested layups. It wouldn’t be shocking if his nickname evolves into Mr. Swish or Brandin PodSwishki – he’s that good. Podziemski’s efficiency should have no problem translating to the NBA.
He’s also a crafty ball handler that constantly uses change-of-pace and lateral feints. Plus, Podziemski reads the floor well and has the passing chops to be a secondary playmaker. Overall, he projects as an efficient scorer with secondary playmaking upside. Factor in his rebounding, and at a minimum, he will be a high-level bench player that can orchestrate the offense while the starters sit.
Weaknesses: Podziemski’s handle allowed him to create separation at the college level, but his mediocre athleticism may hold him back at the NBA level. Therefore, his on-ball creation isn’t comparable to other top draft prospects since separation is key. Podziemski’s defense is also questionable; he doesn’t have the lateral quickness to stay in front of guards, and bigger forwards will be able to drive through him. Overall, defense is the swing skill for him.
Brandin Podziemski Stats
| 2022-23 | Games | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandin Podziemski | 32 | 19.9 | 3.7 | 8.8 | 1.8 | 48.3 | 43.8 | 77.1 |
Brandin Podziemski NBA Comparison
Podziemski shares traits with Malcolm Brogdon. Both are automatic from three, hyper-efficient off-the-dribble scorers, and possess quality ball handling and playmaking. Brogdon fluctuated between running the bench unit for Boston and enhancing the starting lineup through his offense, which is a likely role for Podziemski. However, Brogdon’s defense and separation is without question superior to Podziemski.
Another similar player is Lakers guard Austin Reaves. If one squints at Reaves, then the shooting, playmaking, rebounding, and ball handling resemble Podziemski well. Reaves is a far better defender, although Podziemski’s efficiency holds a slight advantage.
Brandin Podziemski Highlights
Brandin Podziemski NBA Draft Ranking, Team Fit, Landing Spot
Draft Ranking: Podziemski ranks 15th on my Big Board and sits in the fifth tier with names like Kobe Bufkin, Leonard Miller, and Bilal Coulibaly.
Team Fit: The Warriors are an excellent fit for Podziemski. Their bench unit was an absolute mess all season, and it’s about to take a hit. Donte DiVincenzo may opt out of his contract, Anthony Lamb a restricted free agent, JaMychal Green an unrestricted free agent, and Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga on the trading block. Therefore, selecting a polished scorer and passer like Podziemski provides them a useful piece for a championship run. His shooting will fit nicely with Golden State’s offensive philosophy too.
Landing Spot: Because this draft is so deep, Podziemski likely winds up in the 19-25 range. The Blazers (23rd) are pursuing a championship this season, so Podziemski could provide their bench a boost while adding even more spacing to a Lillard-led team. Memphis (25th) had half-court issues against the Lakers, so they are another logical landing spot for his skill set.
