Golden State's Offseason Surgery Shuffle: Brandin Podziemski Joins Moody on the Road to Recovery
The Golden State Warriors have had an eventful offseason so far—not with blockbuster trades or flashy free-agent signings, but with medical updates. Just a few days after Moses Moody underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb, another young Warrior found himself under the knife.
This time, it’s Brandin Podziemski, the standout rookie-turned-starter who quickly became a fan favorite at Chase Center. The Warriors officially announced on Wednesday that Podziemski had successful surgery on his left wrist, a procedure known as wrist debridement. The surgery took place Tuesday in Los Angeles and was performed without complications.
So, What’s Wrist Debridement?
Wrist debridement may not be as commonly known as something like an ACL surgery, but it’s a key procedure for athletes dealing with chronic pain or inflammation. According to Dr. Nirav Pandya, a respected orthopedic surgeon, wrist debridement involves the removal of damaged or inflamed tissue either within the joint or around ligaments and tendons. This kind of cleanup is designed to restore smoother joint movement and reduce pain—especially critical for a guard like Podziemski, who relies on quick handles and sharp shooting.
No Long-Term Worries for Dubs Fans
Now for the good news: The Warriors expect Podziemski to be back and fully ready for training camp before the 2025-26 NBA season tips off. That's a relief for fans who saw flashes of brilliance from the 21-year-old guard throughout the year.
Podziemski didn’t just ride the bench in his sophomore season—he was right in the mix. He played in 33 games as a starter, stepping up big when injuries plagued the Warriors’ veteran backcourt. Throughout the regular season, he averaged a solid 11.4 points per game, while pulling down 5.1 rebounds and dishing out 3.4 assists, all on an efficient 44.5% shooting clip. Those aren’t rookie numbers anymore—that’s a guy carving out a real NBA role.
Playoffs Were a Learning Curve
But let’s be honest—it wasn’t all sunshine and highlights. The playoffs were a bit of a rough ride for Podziemski.
In Golden State’s second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the young guard found himself in the deep end. He put up 11.6 points per game, which sounds solid at first glance, but his shooting percentages told a different story. He shot just 33.9% from the field and a chilly 30.4% from beyond the arc. Against a scrappy and athletic Timberwolves defense, it was clear the postseason intensity was something new.
Silver Linings: Experience is Everything
Still, that playoff experience was invaluable. Getting a taste of postseason basketball in just his second year gives Podziemski a head start in the learning curve that most players don’t get until year three or four. Playing in 11 playoff games, starting many of them, and being trusted in big moments by Coach Steve Kerr says a lot about where the franchise sees his future.
And let's not forget—Podziemski was just a second-year player! The pressure, the pace, and the grind of the NBA playoffs are a different beast. Sometimes, growing pains are just part of the process. Golden State fans have seen it before—remember how shaky early playoff runs were for guys like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson? It’s all about development.
Warriors' Youth Movement in Full Swing
The offseason surgeries may sound like bad news on the surface, but they actually speak to something deeper happening in Golden State. There's a clear shift toward building around young talent like Podziemski and Moody, both of whom have shown they belong on this stage. With vets like Draymond Green and Klay Thompson aging and their roles starting to shift, the Dubs are quietly reloading rather than rebuilding.
It’s not just about stats with Podziemski. His court IQ, ability to make tough reads, and confidence to shoot even when cold have made him an integral part of the Warriors' system. He’s also a gritty rebounder for his size—something you don’t usually expect from a 6'5" guard.
What’s Next?
With recovery timelines suggesting both Podziemski and Moody will be ready for training camp, the focus shifts to what kind of lineup the Warriors will put together for the next season. Will Podziemski start again, or will he move back to a sixth-man role if Golden State brings in new firepower? Will the playoff struggles push him to tweak his offseason training and become more efficient from beyond the arc?
One thing’s for sure—Podziemski’s on-court future looks bright, and the wrist surgery is just a minor speed bump.
A Few Key Highlights from Podziemski’s Season:
-
33 games started in the regular season—a huge jump from his rookie year.
-
44.5% field goal shooting, showing solid shot selection.
-
5.1 rebounds per game—rare hustle from a guard.
-
3.4 assists per night, proving his playmaking chops.
-
Gained playoff experience in a tough series against the Timberwolves.
Final Word
Surgery? Yeah, not ideal. But when it comes with a full recovery timeline and a promising player like Brandin Podziemski on the other end of it, the Warriors can breathe easy. This young guard has already shown he can hang with the big boys—and with a healthy wrist, an offseason of training, and a deeper understanding of the league, next season might just be his breakout year.
So if you're a Dubs fan, don’t sweat it. Podziemski’s got the work ethic, the talent, and now—the experience. And that wrist? It’ll be just fine by the time the lights come on for training camp.
Login