Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski Suffers Broken Nose In Preseason Vs. Pistons
Golden State’s 2023 first-round pick injured in exhibition opener
Podziemski Collides With Pistons’ Jaden Ivey
San Francisco, October 4, 2023 – Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski sustained a broken nose in the team’s preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. The injury occurred with 10:43 remaining in the third quarter when Podziemski collided with Pistons guard Jaden Ivey while pursuing a loose ball.
Podziemski immediately clutched his face and was seen bleeding from his nose. He was escorted to the locker room by Warriors medical staff for further evaluation and X-rays confirmed the fracture. The team announced that Podziemski will be re-evaluated in one week.
Injury Impacts Warriors’ Preseason Preparations
Podziemski’s injury comes at an unfortunate time for the Warriors, who are in the midst of their preseason schedule. The 21-year-old guard was expected to play a significant role for the team this season after being selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Podziemski has impressed in his early appearances for Golden State, showcasing his athleticism, defensive intensity, and shooting ability.
The Warriors will have to adjust their preseason plans in Podziemski’s absence. Head coach Steve Kerr may give more playing time to other guards on the roster, such as Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, and Moses Moody. Podziemski’s injury will also accelerate the team’s evaluation of their guard depth and could lead to additional roster moves in the coming days.
Warriors’ Season Outlook Impacted
While Podziemski’s injury is not expected to be long-term, it could still impact the Warriors’ outlook for the upcoming season. The team is already dealing with some uncertainty surrounding the health of Stephen Curry, who missed the final 12 games of the regular season last year with a foot injury. If Podziemski’s recovery takes longer than expected, the Warriors could be thin in the backcourt.
However, the Warriors have shown an ability to overcome injuries in the past. They reached the NBA Finals in 2022 without Curry and Thompson, relying on the contributions of Andrew Wiggins, Poole, and other key players. Golden State will be hoping for a similar outcome this season if Podziemski is unable to return to the lineup anytime soon.
Conclusion
Brandin Podziemski’s broken nose is a setback for the Golden State Warriors as they prepare for the upcoming season. The injury will force the team to adjust their preseason plans and could impact their outlook for the regular season. However, the Warriors have a history of overcoming injuries and will be looking to do so again in 2023-24.
Injury Summary
| Player | Injury | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Brandin Podziemski | Broken Nose | Re-evaluated in one week |
