Brandin Podziemski and the Golden State Warriors are set to host the Miami Heat on Thursday night, and the young guard made sure his arrival at Chase Center did not go unnoticed.
The NBA shared a clip of Podziemski rolling into the arena’s underground parking garage on an electric scooter. The 23-year-old kept it casual for the ride, rocking a black beanie, a puffer jacket over a gray hoodie and a pair of red patterned pants as he cruised past the Warriors’ signage.
It was certainly not the kind of entrance fans are used to seeing from an NBA player, especially one who just landed a big payday. Podziemski agreed to a five-year, $110 million rookie-scale extension with Golden State in October, a deal that includes a mutual option in the fifth year and a trade kicker.
He later thanked the organization for taking a “leap with faith” on him. Podziemski, the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is now in his fourth season with the Warriors.
Podziemski’s season did not get off to the smoothest start. He was ruled out of the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers with lower back soreness. Since returning, though, he has been a key part of a Warriors team that has caught fire.
Golden State has won five straight games after dropping its first three, improving to 5-3 on the season. Podziemski chipped in 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-8 from deep, in Monday’s 116-113 win over the Phoenix Suns. Stephen Curry led the way with 34 points in that one, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg added 16 points and five assists.
The Warriors will now look to extend their winning streak against a Heat team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Miami is 3-5 on the season but is coming off a thrilling 117-116 overtime win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday, thanks to a go-ahead 3-pointer from former Warriors star Klay Thompson.
Thompson, who won four championships in Golden State, is making his first trip back to Chase Center as a member of the Heat. Andrew Wiggins, another former Warrior, is also on Miami’s roster.
Podziemski will hope his performance on the court is as smooth as his ride to the arena.