Brandin Podziemski has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. Since being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2023, he’s proven himself as a versatile guard with a knack for playmaking and clutch performances.
This article dives into his personal life, career journey, financial success, and on-court achievements.
Brandin Podziemski’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brandin Thomas Podziemski |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 2003 |
| Age | 22 years old |
| Education | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy; Santa Clara University |
| Nationality | American (of Polish descent) |
| Height | 6’4″ (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2023 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5–7 million (NBA salary + endorsements) |
| Salary (2024–25 Season) | $3.52 million |
| Girlfriend | Nicoletta Orlando (rumored, unconfirmed) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @brandinpodziemski |
Early Career
Brandin Podziemski’s basketball journey began with adversity. Growing up in Greenfield, Wisconsin, he attended St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy but faced a harsh reality as a freshman: he didn’t make the varsity team. This setback fueled his determination. By sophomore year, he transformed into a standout player, averaging 22.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game while earning his first Wisconsin First-Team All-State honor.
His relentless work ethic sharpened his shooting and ball-handling skills, and by junior year, he upped his averages to 27.6 points and 9.2 rebounds, repeating his All-State selection. Podziemski’s senior year cemented his legacy. He dominated with 35.1 points, 10 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4 steals per game, shattering school records and earning Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Wisconsin Player of the Year honors.
His 50-point game against Pewaukee in January 2021 remains a St. John’s single-game record. Despite his explosive high school career, major college programs initially overlooked him. He eventually committed to the University of Illinois, turning down offers from Kentucky, Miami, and others.
His time at Illinois, however, was frustrating. As a freshman in 2021–22, he played just 4.3 minutes per game, averaging 1.4 points in limited bench appearances. Facing a senior-heavy roster, Podziemski transferred to Santa Clara University in 2022—a decision that changed his trajectory. At Santa Clara, he became the Broncos’ starting shooting guard and erupted for 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from three-point range. His 30-point debut against Eastern Washington and a 34-point follow-up against Georgia Southern showcased his scoring prowess.
Podziemski’s single season at Santa Clara earned him WCC Co-Player of the Year, All-WCC First Team, and Lou Henson All-American honors. He also set program records, including four WCC Player of the Week awards and the fourth-most single-season points (636) in Santa Clara history. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking made him one of only three NCAA players to average 19+ points, 8+ rebounds, and 3+ assists in 2022–23.
After a standout NBA Combine performance—where he nearly notched a triple-double in a scrimmage—Podziemski entered the 2023 draft, defying early doubts to become the 19th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors.
Professional Career
Brandin Podziemski’s NBA journey began when the Golden State Warriors selected him 19th overall in the 2023 draft. He immediately made an impact, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a rookie while shooting 38.5% from three-point range. His early standout moment came on December 12, 2023, when he dropped 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Phoenix Suns—becoming the first Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010 to post a 20/10/5 stat line.
Just four days later, he torched the Brooklyn Nets with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 threes, proving his versatility as a scorer and playmaker. Podziemski’s fearlessness shone brightest on Christmas Day 2023. Against the Denver Nuggets, he tallied 13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals—making him the first rookie in NBA history to achieve those thresholds in a single game.
His defensive intensity and court vision earned him comparisons to Draymond Green, with veterans praising his “unwavering confidence” during high-pressure moments. By season’s end, he’d started 28 games and secured NBA All-Rookie First Team honors, cementing his role as Golden State’s backcourt Swiss Army knife. The 2024–25 season saw Podziemski elevate his game further.
Through March 2025, he’s averaging 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while improving his free-throw shooting to 75%. His +168 plus/minus rating leads the Warriors, reflecting his two-way impact. Memorable performances include a career-high 29 points against the Utah Jazz on February 5, 2025, and a 14-assist, zero-turnover masterclass that showcased his elite decision-making. Golden State has fully embraced Podziemski’s potential.
In October 2024, they exercised his $3.68 million team option for 2025–26, locking him into a core role alongside Curry and Green. With four years and $16.2 million left on his rookie contract, Podziemski remains one of the NBA’s most cost-effective young talents—a key piece in the Warriors’ reload around their aging superstars.
Brandin Podziemski’s Net Worth Details
Brandin Podziemski’s net worth is estimated to be $5–7 million as of 2025.
Contract
Brandin Podziemski signed a four-year, $16.24 million rookie-scale contract with the Golden State Warriors in 2023 following his selection as the 19th overall pick in the NBA Draft. The deal includes $6.87 million guaranteed over the first two seasons, with team options for 2025–26 ($3.68 million) and 2026–27 ($5.68 million).
The Warriors exercised his third-year option in October 2024, locking him in through the 2025–26 season. His earnings rise incrementally each year, starting at $3.35 million in 2023–24 and reaching $3.52 million for 2024–25.
If both team options are picked up, Podziemski’s total earnings will hit $16.24 million by 2026–27, after which he’ll become a restricted free agent in 2027. This structured contract reflects Golden State’s confidence in his development as a long-term backcourt asset.
Salary
Brandin Podziemski’s current salary for the 2024–25 NBA season is $3.52 million, part of a four-year, $16.24 million rookie contract signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2023. The deal includes incremental increases each season, with earnings rising to $3.68 million in 2025–26 and a significant jump to $5.68 million in 2026–27, the final year of his contract.
The Warriors exercised their team option for 2025–26 in October 2024, securing his place in their roster through at least 2026. By the end of his current deal, Podziemski will have earned over $16 million in base salary alone. If he continues to develop, he could become a restricted free agent in 2027, positioning him for a lucrative long-term extension.
Career Earnings
| Season | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2023–24 | $3.35 million |
| 2024–25 | $3.52 million |
| 2025–26 (option) | $3.68 million |
| 2026–27 (option) | $5.68 million |
Endorsements
Brandin Podziemski has quickly become a sought-after name in the endorsement space. His primary partnership is with Rigorer, a Singapore-based athletic brand, where he joined Lakers guard Austin Reaves as a signature athlete. The deal, signed in 2024, includes a custom sneaker line set to launch globally in collaboration with KICKS CREW.
Podziemski also partnered with Panini America for trading cards and Cameo, a platform for personalized fan interactions. While his endorsement portfolio is still growing, these deals reflect his rising marketability as a young NBA standout.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | PPG | RPG | APG | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 9.2 | 5.8 | 3.7 | 38.5% | 63.3% |
| 2024–25* | 10.1 | 4.8 | 3.5 | 32.1% | 75.0% |
FAQs
1. Who is Brandin Podziemski and what team does he play for?
Brandin Podziemski is a professional basketball guard playing for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He was drafted 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
2. What are Podziemski’s physical attributes and early background?
He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 205 pounds, and was born on February 25, 2003, in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Podziemski played college basketball at Illinois and Santa Clara.
3. How did Podziemski perform in college basketball?
After limited playing time at Illinois, Podziemski transferred to Santa Clara, where he averaged 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, earning co-Player of the Year honors in the West Coast Conference.
4. What were Podziemski’s rookie season NBA stats?
In his rookie year with the Warriors, he averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 74 games, starting in 28, and demonstrated strong three-point shooting and rebounding for a guard.
5. What historic rookie records has Podziemski set?
Podziemski became the first Golden State Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry to record 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a game. He also set an NBA rookie record with 5+ steals, 6+ assists, 9+ rebounds, and 3+ three-pointers in a single contest.
6. How did Podziemski improve in his second NBA season?
He increased his scoring to 11.7 points per game, with 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 64 games during the 2024–25 season, maintaining efficient shooting percentages and a strong defensive presence.
7. What is Podziemski’s playing style and skill set?
Known for his smooth three-point shooting, versatile scoring, and rebounding ability, Podziemski contributes as a guard with reliable passing and defensive impulses, making him a valuable two-way player.
8. What contract details are notable for Podziemski?
He signed a rookie contract worth $16.2 million over four years with the Warriors. The team exercised his third-year option in 2024, showing commitment to his development.
9. What accolades has Podziemski earned so far?
He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2024 and West Coast Conference Co-Player of the Year in college, highlighting his upward trajectory as a professional.
10. What are Brandin Podziemski’s off-court background and personal details?
Podziemski grew up in Wisconsin, attended St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, and is known for his work ethic and humility. He is in a relationship with Nicoletta Orlando and has an estimated net worth of around $2 million.
