It’s time for Warriors fans to have an uncomfortable Brandin Podziemski discussion

The Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a roaring and surprising start. They chased a star this offseason but couldn’t get a deal done. That forced the Dubs to pivot for depth, which has played a massive role in their early season success. Buddy Hield has been great so far and the franchise is getting contributions from everyone, including an Andrew Wiggins stud that many questioned.

Brandin Podziemski has been the weak point. After 11 games, he has a negative value above replacement player (VORP) and the worst win shares per game. 48 minutes in the team. Podz can’t buy a jumper and doesn’t live up to the hype The Warriors refused to trade him (subscription required) for a star this offseason.

Fans may be quick to say small sample size, but 13.4 percent of regular season games are in the books with Podz shooting under 39 percent from the field. He hasn’t found his offensive game. Is it time to worry? There should be no doubt.

Golden State has depth, but needs Podziemski more with De’Anthony Melton on the sidelines of a knee injury. The second-year guard’s ability to space the floor, make plays and draw charges made him a building block, but it won’t be long without improvement.

Podz shot just 23.1 percent from 3-point range as a freshman in college before transferring to Santa Clara. He made 43.8 percent from long range in his second NCAA season, but this shows that he has had inconsistencies with his shot in the past.

The 21-year-old is taking just 4.0 of his 4.1 3-point attempts per game as open or wide-open looks, according to NBA stats. Podz has a virtually even split between catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble, but earns 20 percent or less on both types. There’s virtually no reason to explain why he’s shooting just 19.5 percent on his threes so far, other than a preseason nose injury that forced him to wear a protective face mask.

Head coach Steve Kerr has played him just 19.5 minutes in each of the last two games, but time opened up with Melton’s injury. This is the chance for Podz to get back on track. He needs to prove that the Dubs were wise to keep him instead of trading for a star.

Brandin Podziemski should soon recover from his rough start to the season. Expect him to shoot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range and make a massive impact if Golden State is to make a deep playoff run.

There’s no reason he should shoot so poorly with so many open shots. He gets the right reps. Now Podziemski must execute. Golden State can’t afford to make him miss every jumper, especially with Melton out. Will Podz move up? That’s the goal, otherwise this uncomfortable discussion could become a problem. Expect him to make more shots and help the team win.

Podz has only started three games and is averaging just 25.5 minutes. Head coach Steve Kerr is leaning into his depth with Stephen Curry the only one over 28 minutes each night. Podziemski is number four on the team, despite his struggles.

He needs to show more to prove his untouchable status and build on last year’s numbers. Fans were hoping to see his scoring and playmaking improve with Chris Paul gone. Podz can develop into a pivotal role player, but he needs to consistently start knocking down shots and making plays.

Brandin Podziemski is young and growth is not linear. It has been a slow start to the season, but he could bounce back quickly. Now is the time. The Golden State Warriors need more, and Podz is capable of delivering. He gets playing time and open shots. It’s about taking advantage.