Blue Man Hoop

With opening night approaching, the Warriors are looking for growth from Podziemski and a healthier Melton. But familiar turnover issues and defensive concerns remain. A recap of my week at @BlueManHoop:

Brandin Podziemski put together another solid performance against the Lakers tonight, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, five rebounds, two assists, and just one turnover in 26 minutes. He's looked a lot like the version of himself that averaged over 18 points per game, shot more threes, and drove to the basket more over the last two months of last season. The version Steve Kerr wants him to be every night. I wrote yesterday about the new norm this late-season surge set for Podziemski, one he's aiming to sustain: bluemanhoop.com/warriors-bra…

After three rough outings to start his preseason, Melton found some efficiency against the Lakers tonight, going 3-for-6 from the field along with three assists and SEVEN steals. He was a +11 in 21 minutes off the bench. I wrote earlier today about his struggles with efficiency last season, his health, and the many roles he can fill for the Warriors: bluemanhoop.com/warriors-nee…

After putting up two unimpressive performances in their preseason opener on Sunday, Lendeborg and Podziemski bounced back in the Warriors wire-to-wire win against the shorthanded Lakers. The two young players will play a meaningful role in taking some of the offensive burden off Steph Curry's shoulders until Butler is back. On Tuesday night, they showed they could do just that. #DubNation My latest for @BlueManHoop: bluemanhoop.com/lendeborg-po…

Rust is always expected in a preseason game, even more so in the first one. There was plenty of it in the Warriors' loss to the Clippers in their preseason opener in Hawaii, while a couple of newcomers showed promise. #DubNation Here are a few takeaways from the Warriors' first game of the season: bluemanhoop.com/warriors-pre…

Brandin Podziemski put together a strong finish to his season last year. With the wave of injuries that hit the Warriors in the second half, he was given more opportunities and responsibilities. And he took advantage of them. Over the last few weeks (22 games), Podz averaged 18.1 points, shot 39.7% from three on more than six attempts per game, and went to the line almost five times each night. He insisted during his media day press conference that he wants to put an emphasis on those areas: shoot more threes, drive more, get to the line more. He's picked up right where he left off in training camp, impressing during the team's first uncontrolled scrimmage and earning a starting spot next to Steph for the Warriors' preseason opener on Sunday. More here on BP and the lineup #DubNation: bluemanhoop.com/brandin-podz…

Draymond Green needs a bounce-back year. Jimmy Butler faces a difficult return. Kristaps Porzingis needs to stay healthy. #DubNation Their next contracts could hinge on how those challenges play out. My latest for @BlueManHoop : bluemanhoop.com/several-warr…

Less playmaking. More threes. A new reality for Draymond Green? As the Golden State Warriors enter a transition year, adapting to a smaller role could be key to extending his future in the NBA. #DubNation My latest for @BlueManHoop: bluemanhoop.com/draymond-gre…