Q. How has your off-season looked post-Summer League and how did you spend that time?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: I spent a couple weeks reflecting on my Summer League performances. Obviously not the best in terms of my standards. But I've gotten way better since Summer League, and I think a lot of people can attest to that. But just learning from the vets that have been around, just little things that I can add to my game.
Q. You mentioned the shooting percentage wasn't fantastic. Many people have struggled shooting in their first Summer League or any action. Have you figured out or deduced what was going on with the shot?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: Yeah, I figured it out. I talked to Steph about it, and he kind of shot poorly his first year of Summer League, too. It's just kind of how you bounce back from it. I know I'm a good shooter. I shot 44 percent from three last year over the course of more games than just Summer League. I know I'll be better and I'll bounce back from it.
Q. What did he say about it?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: Just some tips. I don't want to share those, but just some tips.
Q. How have the practices, scrimmages, whatever you want to call them with the vets been, and what have you taken from them?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: Yeah, they're really well. I think every time I step on the floor, I feel like I belong more and more now. Just getting accustomed to playing with them. The way I play is similar to how they've always played, so me adjusting to terminology and play style hasn't been an issue at all.
Q. Positionally how do you view yourself early in your career on this roster, like 1, 2, 3?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: I don't really care honestly. I'll play 1 through 5 if I have to. It's just how do I get on the floor as a rookie, so I'm just open to anything, however I can impact the team.
Q. Were you here the day Chris Paul booked out with the team?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: Yeah.
Q. What's that like? You've got Steph and CP3 and other guys on the floor; what's it like to be playing ball against those guys?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: Yeah, just shows you how blessed of a situation I've been put into. Just being 20 years old and them guys have 13 to 15 years under their belt already, just learning from them every day is something that is truly a blessing for me.
Q. What's the balance between wanting to go out there and showing everybody what you can do but also being in an established culture and leadership?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: Yeah, just understanding your role as a rookie. You haven't done anything here. Everything that's led up to this point kind of wipes itself out and you start over anew. Just being able to respect what's ahead of you but also have confidence in your own abilities and yourself when you go out there. I think having that even balance is something that good rookies do well.
Q. As a rookie come into Steve Kerr's system, what are the elements to get under control and feel comfortable with?
BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI: Just knowing my spots and knowing my role. Look at Santa Clara last year, my role last year compared to now is completely opposite. But I think as a basketball player, that's your job to be able to adapt, and I think Coach Kerr does a great job of letting you know what your role is from the start, so there's no really confusion.
So I'm just ready for any challenge that he brings my way.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports