Podz reveals what he will miss most about Klay next season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
After the start of the 2024-25 NBA season takes place in October, The absence of Klay Thompson sure will feel weird for Warriors fans.
Likewise, it is the beginning of a new era within the Warriors locker room, from his longtime teammates Steph Curry and Draymond Green all the way to Brandin Pod Ziemiawho spent only one season together with Thompson.
That rather brief overlap does not mean that Thompson was not an important figure for Podziemski.
In an interview with Laura Britt of NBC Sports Bay Area on Friday at Oracle Park, last season’s NBA All-Rookie First Team honoree revealed what he will miss most about Thompson now that the Splash Brother is a Dallas Maverick.
“The presence in the locker room, the veteran stuff that he shared with all of our young guys,” Podziemski detailed to Britt. “The way he carries himself, his behavior – especially on his days off – the way he works, works on his body being in his mid-30s now.”
Thompson clearly set a great example with his actions as a respected veteran with Golden State. And, as Podziemski explained, the four-time NBA champion also had a vocal impact with his valuable suggestions.
“When I needed advice,” Podziemski said, “if it wasn’t Steph, Klay was always there to share it with me.”
The Warriors must move on, however, and Podziemski figures to be an important aspect of the organization’s post-Klay plans.
“No one is going to be Klay Thompson,” the young guard concluded. “We’re just going to do our best to fill that void and take another step.”
Podziemski’s comments came after he took batting practice before the Giants’ Friday night game. after growing up playing baseball — not basketball — Podziemski showed he still has a swing as smooth as his jumper.
Although he fell short of his initial goal of hitting a ball into McCovey Cove, Podziemski’s final swing made it into the right-field arcade at Oracle Park.
So, maybe that next step he mentioned is becoming a dual sport athlete? Podziemski alluded to it in X post soon after.
