The Golden State Warriors finally earned a well-deserved victory against the Philadelphia 76ers last night. The Chase Center lit up as this was one of the few occasions this season when the Warriors were finally looking like their old self. The cornerstone of the Warriors Stephen Curry was having a great game as usual. He scored a team-high of 37 points and even managed to get 8 rebounds showing his dominance on both sides of the floor. However, starting with him against the Sixers, was the youngest player on their roster, Brandin Podziemski.
He got the opportunity to show his talents and played for 37 minutes and did not disappoint. The 20-year-old shooting guard earned 11 points, 6 rebounds, and even made 3 assists. However, the comments he had about his own game tonight are what stole the show as the rookie called himself a “mini Draymond.” And when the 4x NBA champion was asked about it, his reaction was hilarious.
Curry asked the reporter, “He said that?” and then had a big smirk on his face and said, “I love it. I love that guy so much.” Podziemski was also selected for the Rising Star challenge during the 2024 All-Star weekend and Curry even reacted to that by saying, “Great honor, great acknowledgment you know considering where he has been in his last three years from college to now.”
However, after praising the rookie, the 9x All-Star made a witty remark about the Mini Draymond claim and said, “I don’t know about that comparison, though.” Brandin Podziemski will be participating in his first-ever All-Star Weekend and that too at the mere age of 20. But what is the rising star game and who can we expect there?
Rookies that are a part of the All-Star Rising game
During the 2024 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana, the NBA’s Rising Star Challenge is sure to attract spectators. This modified event will have four seven-player teams competing in an exciting three-game mini-tournament. The stakes are high, with the two semifinal games aiming for a goal score of 40 and the championship game increasing to a target score of 25. The thoughtfully curated roster of 28 players includes 11 brilliant rookies, 10 second-year standouts, and 7 strong G League prospects.
The Rising Star Challenge roster includes notable players such as Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic, rising star Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors, and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The diverse lineup will also highlight raw talent, with players such as Scoot Henderson from the Portland Trail Blazers, Keegan Murray from the Sacramento Kings, and the most famous rookie this year Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. So, with such a diverse and talented roster, this high-paced game is going to be a treat for the fans and will show a glimpse into the future of the NBA.
