Warriors’ Podziemski explains why he has dropped lifting weights

SAN FRANCISCO – While soaking up the Andalusian sunshine this summer, Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski could not help but notice Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s unique workout routine during an NBPA-sanctioned get-together called “The Sanctuary.”

Alexander-Walker, who was the NBA’s Most Improved Player last season with the Atlanta Hawks, did not touch a single dumbbell or weight during his workouts, relying instead on an assortment of bodyweight exercises and stretches.

After a conversation with Alexander-Walker in Spain, Podziemski adopted the routine that worked for both Alexander-Walker and his cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two-time defending Most Valuable Player for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“They’re playing a lot of games, producing at a high level and they’re constantly doing it,” Podziemski said after the Warriors‘ practice on Friday. “Like there’s something behind that, so that’s what intrigued me to begin with.”

Since returning to the Warriors for training camp, he has also incorporated “a little bit of cable work” and also worked with resistance bands. Now entrenched as a starter, Podziemski said that the new workout routine has not affected his muscle or strength.

The 24-year-old guard is eligible for an extension until Oct. 19, but has repeatedly said that his contract status will not be a distraction.

“I don’t let that interfere with our team dynamic,” Podziemski said during media day. “I know what they want from me is just to be the best version of myself I can be, and the contract stuff, my agent and (general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.) and them will handle.”

He was the talk of training camp in Hawaii, and in the team’s first home preseason game on Tuesday, Podziemski made 7 of his 11 shots against a shorthanded Lakers team. Coming off a season in which he played in all 82 games, Podziemski is expected to be a consistent contributor for this year’s Warriors.

He and the Warriors will play host to the Kings on Saturday, then face the Lakers in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Porzingis update

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he still has not connected with Kristaps Porzingis. The big man has been away from the team with an undisclosed medical issue and did not attend training camp. Kerr told reporters on Thursday that he planned to text Porzingis.

Kerr added that team doctor Rick Celebrini was in contact with Porzingis on Thursday, but did not share any details about their conversation. Porzingis was expected to be the Warriors’ starting center this season before the team announced his medical situation at the outset of training camp.

In Porzingis’ absence, Kerr has said that Draymond Green, Al Horford and reserves Graham Ike and Charles Bassey will split center duties.