How Warriors rookies Podziemski, Jackson-Davis got acquainted with their new team. A trip to Alcatraz was involved
Golden State Warriors’ rookies Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski toured the historic penitentiary to get acquainted with San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski had to duck their heads through the old Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary’s underground corridors. These structures were not designed for NBA-sized players, but both recognized the abandoned structures from the “Call of Duty” video game.
However, exploring the interiors of one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks was all part of the Warriors rookies’ day of getting to know their new city. A few weeks prior, a few miles south, the pair had already gotten to know their new teammates
Steph Curry organized a players-only mini camp in Los Angeles at the end of August via the team group chat. Except for Dario Saric, who is representing Team Croatia in the FIBA World Cup, the majority of the team attended the nearly week-long gathering. They practiced together and had team dinners.
“Just a great thing by our vets to set that up and team bonding off the court, which was really helpful for guys like me and Trayce,” Podziemski said from the Alcatraz ferry back to Pier 33 in the city on Thursday. “I went to a couple of dinners and walked around.” It was more of a get-to-know-you session without the use of a basketball. We obviously played basketball as a team, but it was nice to finally meet people. It was extremely beneficial to all of the new guys.”
Jackson-Davis did not fully participate in the minicamp, and team officials have advised him not to overwork himself going into the season. The 23-year-old rookie missed the majority of Summer League due to a hamstring injury. However, Jackson-Davis stated that he was cleared to resume full practice last week. This summer, he and Podziemski have been frequently working out at Chase Center. He got to play some three-on-three at the mini camp in Los Angeles, but he should spend more time getting to know his new teammates.
“Seeing the whole team together and watching them play full open gym was awesome,” he said. “It was great to keep stacking days and getting to know the guys. The majority of the team is already acquainted. But, as the new guys, seeing how everyone plays was really cool for me and Brandin.
“Just talking and chopping it up, getting to know them.” They’re getting to know who I am. That was the most important takeaway from the trip.”
When Curry, Chris Paul, and others showed up to the Summer League team’s facility to work out, the pair got a taste of the Warriors’ workouts and practices. But, with training camp starting in less than a month, the two rookies are settling in.
Bringing in the rookies has become a Warriors tradition. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody visited the house featured on the San Francisco-based children’s show “That’s So Raven” in 2021, as well as the basketball hoop from “Sister Act.” Former Warriors Ryan Rollins and Patrick Baldwin Jr. visited Japan Town in San Francisco prior to the team’s trip to Japan last year for exhibition games against the Washington Wizards.
Podziemski and Jackson-Davis met Mayor London Breed before embarking on a special guided tour of Alcatraz’s cells and creepy corners before heading to the Ferry Building for a meal at Peaches Patties, a local Jamaican restaurant.
A few visitors to the site stopped to wish the couple luck this season, with one encouraging Jackson-Davis to “dunk everything” this year. However, for the most part, the two rookies could enjoy the tour without too many people bothering them. With the Curry-led core vying for a fifth championship, that anonymity could be gone in a matter of weeks.
