Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski signs signature sneaker deal

Brandin Podziemski is the definition of a “bet on yourself” type of player. To kick off his collegiate basketball career, the Wisconsin native spent a season on the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team. Podziemski’s freshman season was quite underwhelming as he only averaged 1.4 points per game in 16 appearances off the bench. Knowing his time at Illinois wouldn’t elevate his potential as a future NBA prospect, Podziemski would enter the NCAA transfer portal.

He would soon find a new home in the Santa Clara Broncos basketball program, ultimately securing the starting position at shooting guard. Podz would completely turn the tables on his collegiate career, winning the WCC Newcomer of the Year and WCC co-Player of the Year awards in 2023. In his lone season at Santa Clara, Podz averaged nearly 20 points, 8.8 rebounds, just over three assists, and almost two steals per game. He showed an extremely well-rounded skill set, and it was no surprise on draft night when his name was called at 19th overall to the Golden State Warriors.

Podz’s versatility was not just a college Cinderella story, as he made the transition to the pros with the same passion and toughness. In December 2023, Brandin would cement his name in the history books as the first Warriors rookie to record 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single game since Warriors great Steph Curry. Podz would never take his foot off the gas pedal on the Warriors, as he impressed on a nightly basis. His efforts would ultimately see him selected to the 2024 NBA All-Rookie First Team. 

Brandin might not be the most recognizable NBA name to the casual fan, but his on-court work has earned him a signature sneaker deal with Chinese sportswear brand Rigorer. It’s kind of fitting that Rigorer signed Podziemski, as that brand is also a rather unknown name in the sportswear market. For those who don’t know, Rigorer is most notable for signing standout Lakers guard Austin Reavesand giving him a signature model called the Rigorer AR1. With Reaves’ help, Rigorer has done its best to use his appeal to boost brand recognition and promotion, and they have the opportunity to do it again with Podziemski. 

Rigorer went after one of the NBA's brightest rookies in Brandin Podziemski.

The 21-year-old young gun had this to say about his new brand ambassador role with Rigorer:

"Growing up, I always dreamed of having my own signature shoes, and seeing the success of Austin Reaves' line convinced me that Rigorer was the right choice… My goal for the upcoming season is to be the best version of myself and help my team win. Having my own shoes with Rigorer's innovative design will help me achieve that."

- Brandin Podziemski

As part of the deal, Rigorer announced a groundbreaking partnership with KICKS CREW, a pioneering online marketplace that has played a significant role in the global debut of numerous athlete-driven product lines. As part of this exclusive collaboration, KICKS CREW will be the sole platform for the launch of Podziemski's anticipated signature shoe, granting it a massive global reach and exposure to a vast audience of millions.

It’s not every day an NBA rookie can lock down a deal for their own signature sneaker, and Brandin Podizemski has already crossed that off the list. After a tremendous rookie season, Podz is clearly trying to cement himself as a fundamental piece to the Warriors’ core. The team is in a bit of timeline limbo, with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as the remnants of last generation’s dynasty. At the same time, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski represent the future. Klay Thompson’s Warriors tenure is up in question this off-season, and if he ends up departing Golden State, then Podz could easily slide in as the new starting shooting guard. He may not be the next splash bro per se, but he’s a very fitting successor.