The Golden State Warriors opened training camp in Hawaii with high hopes and a reconfigured roster. Even if it’s mostly the same faces. But fans were not willing to hear the same tall promises. Head coach Steve Kerr triggered Dub Nation’s exact pet peeve with his recent comments. Speaking to reporters following early practices, Kerr offered high praise for fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski, highlighting his leadership and growth. Something fans struggle to believe in.
When a reporter asked Kerr what he had seen from Podz in camp, Kerr responded, “Brandin’s quite great picking up right where he left off last year. He’s one of our best players and he’s still a young player so growing and learning and continuing to improve. So he’s three days in and he’s had a great camp.”
Kerr’s glowing endorsement comes amid a wide-open battle for the starting shooting guard position alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. With De’Anthony Melton vying for the starting spot and young forwards Gui Santos and Yaxel Lendeborg competing for frontcourt minutes alongside veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, Kerr’s comments signal a strong vote of confidence in Podziemski.
Following a standout stretch to end the 2025–26 regular season, where Podziemski started 27 games and averaged 17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 38% from three-point range, Kerr has encouraged the young guard to expand his perimeter shooting volume.
However, ‘best player’ and Podz have rarely been a combination that fans have agreed with due to his inconsistency.
Kerr’s proclamation that Podziemski stands among the team’s top players has drawn sharp criticism from fans who feel the head coach shows unfair favoritism toward the young guard.
Warriors fans expected reality from Steve Kerr
After his comments, Warriors fans were on social media to vent their frustration and accuse Kerr of overhyping Brandin Podziemski’s potential while overlooking other rotation options.
Many supporters questioned Kerr’s evaluation, with one fan observing, “No one glazes Podz more than Kerr.” That was a common sentiment with some explicit comments on how much it has annoyed fans.
Another skeptic demanded Kerr be realistic when he sarcastically posted, “The future all-star is looking great! He’s gonna make us contenders this year! Oh wait… let me come back to reality.”
Critics also pointed out perceived limitations in Podziemski’s skill set for someone who is making about $5.7 million this season, arguing that he has not yet earned elite standing on the roster. One fan bluntly stated, “Podz does not have a bag. Steve capping.”
The biggest critics were the ones who remembered that Kerr has been saying this about Podz at every preseason, only to be disappointed when the guard doesn’t meet the expectations the head coach raised. “Let’s wait til live action. Steve’s been lyin for this cat for four years now.”
They almost fear Podz will once again secure the starting spot over Gui Santos or De’Anthony Melton. Expressing fatigue over the constant front office and coaching narrative surrounding the guard.
The ongoing emphasis on Podziemski’s development has exhausted a vocal segment of the fan base that wants to see proven veterans prioritized around Curry’s remaining prime years.
Another frustrated fan expressed concern for the franchise’s overarching competitive timeline, concluding, “He’s a bench caliber player…..I feel bad for Steph.”
Despite the fan backlash, Kerr’s coaching staff continues to view Podziemski as an essential piece of the Warriors’ immediate rotation. Whether Podz beats out Melton for the starting shooting guard nod or serves as the primary playmaker off the bench, his performance throughout the preseason will remain under an intense spotlight as Dub Nation monitors Kerr’s rotation choices.