Warriors rookies sent to Santa Cruz for development

Warriors rookies Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski have been assigned to the G League Santa Cruz Warriors for more playing time.

The Golden State Warriors have made the decision to assign their rookies Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski to the G League Santa Cruz Warriors. These two players have shown promise in their limited appearances with the NBA team, but the Warriors believe that they would benefit more from consistent playing time in the G League.

Head coach Steve Kerr explained that both Jackson-Davis, 23, and Podziemski, 20, are currently on the fringes of the rotation and would not receive consistent minutes with the NBA team. Instead of having them sit on the bench, the Warriors want them to stay active and continue their development in the G League.

Kerr emphasized that the decision was made in order to provide the rookies with valuable practice time and game experience. He believes that this will be more beneficial to their growth as players than simply being inactive members of the NBA team. However, Kerr also assured that Jackson-Davis and Podziemski will rejoin the team in the near future.

Both rookies have shown promise in their limited game opportunities. Jackson-Davis, a 6-foot-9 center, has impressed with his scoring ability near the rim and his defensive skills. In a 20-minute stint against the New Orleans Pelicans, he came close to recording a double-double with nine rebounds and 13 points, along with four blocks. As the season progresses, Jackson-Davis can provide the Warriors with much-needed size and defensive presence behind Kevon Looney and Draymond Green.

Podziemski, a guard, made his debut against the Pelicans and showcased his versatility with eight rebounds, two assists, and five points. He even received minutes over veteran point guard Cory Joseph, indicating the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities.

It is worth noting that the Warriors selected Podziemski with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 Draft, while Jackson-Davis was chosen 57th overall in the second round. This shows the team's belief in their potential and their long-term plans for their development.

Overall, the decision to assign Jackson-Davis and Podziemski to the G League demonstrates the Warriors' commitment to their rookies' growth and development. By providing them with consistent playing time and opportunities to improve, the team hopes to maximize their potential and contribute to their long-term success.