SAN FRANCISCO — After spending much of last season willing to say exactly what was on his mind, Brandin Podziemski announced at Media Day that he is officially retiring from the spoken-word portion of basketball.
“It’s better if I don’t say anything and just let my play do the talking,” Podziemski said, immediately creating the expectation that all future interviews will be replaced by a printed box score slid silently across the table.
Warriors officials said the new communication strategy should dramatically simplify media availability.
Asked how he feels about his role this season, Podziemski is expected to respond with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Asked whether he wants a bigger offensive responsibility, he may simply point to his field-goal attempts.
Questions about defense will reportedly be forwarded directly to the plus-minus column.
The Warriors are said to support the approach, particularly after learning that statistics are significantly harder to quote out of context during a 48-hour NBA Twitter argument.
Podziemski has also been advised that particularly strong performances may qualify as full press conferences, while a 3-for-12 night will be considered “no comment.”
Sources say the plan will remain in effect unless Podziemski records a career high, at which point he is expected to become extremely outspoken again.
