“Unpacking the Shock: Podz Reveals Hidden Truths Behind Klay’s Emotional Departure from the Warriors”

As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, the absence of Klay Thompson looms large over the franchise. For Brandin Podziemski, the young guard stepping into this new chapter, it’s about embracing change and moving forward. “It’s definitely strange not seeing Klay’s nameplate,” he reflects, acknowledging the emotional weight that comes with Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, rather than dwelling on the past, Podziemski emphasizes the importance of adapting and finding new strengths within the squad. With a perfect preseason record and fresh talents like Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton joining the ranks, there’s palpable excitement about what lies ahead for the Warriors. As they set their sights on the upcoming challenge against the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s clear that this team is not just ready to compete, but also eager to build its own identity. To discover more about Podziemski’s insights and the team’s evolving dynamics, click here: LEARN MORE.

“Klay’s a great player, great person and we’re going to miss him this year, but we can’t dwell on it. We’ve got a new squad, 6-0 [preseason record] now, so it’s time to reset everything. Going into Wednesday at Portland, how can we just keep it flowing and get stops?”It’s a new era for the Warriors, and one without Thompson. But so far, the offense looks crisp and the defense is stifling — all positive signs of good things to come despite one major offseason loss.It’s time to move on.New assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse has brought some different defensive looks to the floor, too, much to Podziemski’s delight.Both Podziemski and center Trayce Jackson-Davis are looking to make even more of an impact in their second season with the Warriors, and offseason additions Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson already have provided a spark.”But I think in the long haul it’s going to work, and it’s worked through the preseason.”Thompson’s offseason departure to the Dallas Mavericks rocked the NBA world, but there’s plenty for the Warriors to be excited about after an undefeated preseason and their regular-season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers set for Wednesday.That’s how Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is approaching a 2024-25 NBA season that looks very different for Golden State without franchise icon Klay Thompson in the locker room.Podz offers matter-of-fact perspective on Klay’s Warriors exit originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area“It was definitely strange coming in during the summer and not seeing [Thompson’s] nameplate up there, but the past is the past,” Podziemski told reporters after the Warriors’ 132-74 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday at Chase Center.”I think Jerry’s brought a different dynamic on the defensive end, which has been really great for us,” Podziemski continued. “It’s something that the vets haven’t even seen [before] that we’re doing coverage-wise and rotation-wise, so that’s been a little bit of an adjustment for everybody.Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast