Kerr Criticizes Podziemski, Officials as Frustrations Continue to Pile Up For Reeling Warriors

There are plenty of disappointments to go around in Golden State these days. While the Warriors started out on top of the basketball world, that feels like a lifetime ago. They are still searching for their new lineup without De’Anthony Melton, and they just endured another tough fourth quarter loss. This time, to the Denver Nuggets.

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

While the game stayed close up until the closing minutes, Denver eventually pulled ahead of the Warriors and took the game 119-115. However, they did have some help from the Warriors, as well as a pretty controversial call.

Such small issues continue to pile up for Golden State, and it’s a big reason they’ve dropped five in a row. While no one player is to blame for the slide, a lot of fault landed on guard Brandin Podziemski, who made some pretty boneheaded mistakes in the loss to Denver.

The biggest, according to head coach Steve Kerr, came when Podziemski threw a lob up to seemingly no one in the second quarter and led to an easy bucket on the other side of the floor.

“Podz is a hell of a player,” Kerr explained. “But he needs to - and I’ve told him this - he needs to be a smart player.”

That frustration from Kerr shows that he’s not afraid to call players out, nor is he letting his team off the hook. The Nuggets game was more than winnable for the Warriors, and losing such contests could come back to haunt them.

More Than One Mistake

In addition to commenting on Podziemski’s ill-timed lob, Kerr also brought up the guard fouling Michael Porter Jr. two different times on two different three pointers as examples of little issues that the team cannot afford to make.

“He can’t foul jump shooters,” Kerr furthered when discussing the role player. “I love Brandin. He’s a hell of a player. He’s got a hell of a future ahead of him. But I hope he watches this clip right now of me talking, because he needs to hear it.”

Kerr’s comments may be a bit out of character for the normally mild-mannered coach, but the Warriors cannot afford to keep shooting themselves in the foot. They’ve now lost five straight, and maybe lighting a fire under the players is exactly what they need.

Podziemski seemed to agree.

“I think I was trying too hard defensively to stick with Michael Porter, and to foul him twice was definitely not like me and definitely something I’m not proud of,” he explained during his own presser. “I know when they made their runs was because of me fouling or turning the ball over. So, I know I got to be better.”

Searching for a New Rotation

There has been a lot of speculation about the Warriors rotation over the past few weeks. A lot of the team is in flux, and they still haven’t found a group of players that lead to wins. The talent is there, but putting the right group together at the right time is not an easy task.

With Kerr’s recent comments, it would not be surprising to see Podziemski taking a smaller role. He may even return to the bench for Golden State’s upcoming games. It all depends on what Kerr sees down the line.

Things are also tricky because Draymond Green, who missed Tuesday’s game, is currently out with left calf tightness. That’s not a serious situation just yet according to reports, but the Warriors want to monitor the injury as best they can going forward.

On top of that, Lindy Waters III saw no play against the Nuggets. It was his first game without at least double digit minutes since November 12th. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody also performed well in their increased roles, which could suggest more playing time going forward.

A Missed Foul Call

The rotation isn’t Kerr’s only worry. He was also visibly frustrated when he yelled at the officiating crew before leaving the court after the Denver game. That outburst is also indicative of the Warriors’ recent fortunes, and shows that tensions are indeed high.

Kerr explained his anger came after the referees failed to see Nuggets guard Christian Braun calling for a timeout at the end of the game when the team didn't have any left. If the officials noticed, that would have been a technical foul and likely changed the outcome of the game.

“Braun called a timeout,” Kerr explained. “He dove on the floor, he rolled over. Everybody saw it except for the three guys we hire to do the games, and that makes me angry.”

There are many who share Kerr’s frustrations, but no one more than the Warriors themselves. The Stephen Curry led team is at a tipping point. They need to bounce back and learn how to face adversity. They still have time, but it’s running short.

Hopefully, they can right the ship with their upcoming schedule.