Melton-Podziemski bond perfectly captures new Warriors spirit

As warm-ups were winding down before their inaugural preseason game together as teammates, two Warriors competing to earn starting spots embraced warmly as warmups ended in Honolulu. Bonding was essential, and quickly formed. On paper, Podziemski and Melton could have created friction by competing for one spot; as rookies however, both replaced Klay Thompson in starting lineup as soon as Podziemski replaced Thompson and have become front runners to lead franchise forward. Melton was lured away by the Warriors with their mid-level exception waiver of Chris Paul and signing him to a one-year, $12.8 million contract. Melton and Melton himself could see just how highly valued he was by both himself and other front office officials, yet still managed to be discreet about it all. Finally, Curry chose him for his backcourt partner for 2024-25 NBA season along with receiving an amusing nickname from Podziemski that left him laughing but trying to understand its implications. Melton refers to Podziemski as his dog and calls him by that nickname; Melton doesn’t think they belong together though! They exchange stories regularly; picking each other’s brains on what’s happening around us and just enjoying being together are just among their interests. “That is my dog!” says Melton in reference to their interaction; Melton enjoys being around Podziemski. After the Warriors’ thrilling 91-90 come-from-behind win against Los Angeles Clippers, 21-year-old Podziemski unabashedly explained why De’Anthony Melton (26), known as his OG (“I call De’Anthony my OG because he looks old as hell but only 26! It has been great. Thanks, De’Anthony!”) became his nickname. Podziemski joked. It had been great working alongside De’Anthony Melton.” Podziemski added. “I call De’Anthony my OG because even though De’Anthony looks old (40ish), but his name actually refers back to 26 year-old Melton who just turned 26.” It had been good. It had been good. “Thanks, De’Anthony!” said Podziemski of course.” It had been good working alongside De’Anthony Melton since 2016. It had been good. It had been good. It had been good. ” “Everyone on the team has been clicking, vibrating. No one wants to compete against one another; we just want to go out there and hoops for one another,” Klay Thompson’s departure is something the Warriors took seriously; rather than try to replace him directly, they enlisted two newcomers with similar skills as replacements in tandem to fill his role more completely. Buddy Hield has long been known to spark Warriors offense with an instant 3-point shot from downtown, like when he attempted it as one of Podziemski’s assists – as seen with him making that shot attempt from Warrior duty and taking it down at will from downtown in his debut shot attempt vs. Warriors (Podziemski had assisted on it!). Melton doesn’t possess Hield’s or Thompson’s ability from deep compared to their counterparts. Still capable of holding his own offensively and serving as the closest thing the Warriors have to a two-way guard like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were prior to Klay being hit with season-ending leg injuries, Klay was evident throughout camp as an integral piece in making their run to five consecutive NBA Finals. How he connects was evident throughout camp. Melton made his presence known during an incidental sequence during the second quarter, keeping a play alive before immediately finding Curry at the top of the arc. “They look fantastic together,” Kerr raved of Curry and Melton, as the duo proved themselves once more as Golden State scored its initial points of the game thanks to Curry assisting Melton for three. “Even when Steph wasn’t shooting well, the other team members looked for ways to support each other. De’Anthony was outstanding both offensively and defensively – I am a great admirer of De’Anthony as well as enjoying our team’s depth. Melton has tracked Stephen Curry throughout his professional basketball career as part of Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies or Philadelphia 76ers teams – and even before that with Memphis Suns! Melton has received plenty of feedback from both his teammates and coaches that they feel he should have played more for the Grizzlies against the Warriors during the 2022 playoffs, an admiration he accepts without throwing shade at any former teams he played on. Now that Stephen Curry and Melton are united on one side, they need to remember what it feels like having them as teammates again. “His movements don’t become clear until you step onto the court,” Melton noted. “One time when he threw me the ball on weak side and flew off quickly I just thought to myself ‘Oh no I forgot!’. You need to remain engaged at all times.” “What I like best about this offense is its universal appeal; everyone seems engaged. Curry and Melton did not put forth perfect performances initially but there were signs that things can work – there were flashes, after all – which gave an indication as to its viability.” Step by step, the Warriors have become confident they have found an established duo they can entrust; just like they’ve relied upon Podziemski to fill multiple roles on any given night; on Saturday he led Hield’s second unit along with Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson and Kevon Looney before later adding Moses Moody as well. Podziemski found himself struggling in shooting as most Warriors did; yet led his team in assists (4!). Additionally, his plus/minus of +5 put him second overall; this pass of which could well have been considered “The pass of the game.” “I don’t mind it at all!” Podziemski stated with pride. “No matter the situation or team I find myself on, starting or off the bench, my aim is always to finish games and be where most important plays occur. Starting or coming off the bench doesn’t really make a difference for me; leading my second group brings great pride.” “Point guard should lead by example.” “Today was another success for me in terms of leadership and point guard duties; from that standpoint I feel as if my efforts have paid off well. One factor might have been our yoga session together on Oahu’s North Shore paradise; that might well have played its part.” Whatever it may be, these Warriors bring with them an inimitable spirit, far removed from staleness. There’s something thrilling and dynamic in them… Tenacious. Feisty. Boisterous… Yet together. “We added veterans but feel younger,” explained Podziemski to sum it all up. Separated by five years and sharing an ironic two-letter nickname for just two letters apart, Melton and Podziemski quickly formed an instant rapport, signalling how the Warriors have taken an exciting new step with this season bringing with it new hopes and expectations of victory and excitement among many fans alike. Download and follow Dubs Talk Podcast today to experience all that happens around NBA action and beyond!