“I spent a couple weeks reflecting on my summer-league performances,” Podziemski said. “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.”

Podziemski, 20, was viewed as one of the best pure shooters in this year’s draft class coming out of Santa Clara. The Warriors bet on his upside because of that marksmanship, coupled with his desire to rebound at 6-foot-4 and an array of creative playmaking skills.

However, Podziemski shot just 26.3% from the field and 21.7% from 3-point range at Las Vegas summer league. He also struggled to finish at the rim above taller defenders.

Podziemski still averaged 8.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6 assists per game, which spoke to his ability to impact the game in ways other than scoring. But his scoring efficiency was concerning, and he was his harshest critic.

Fortunately for Podziemski, he was drafted into an ideal situation. Not only is there not much pressure for him to play immediately on a veteran-laden team, but he can also receive mentorship from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, two players who know what it takes to develop into elite shooters in the NBA.

Curry did not have the sharpest performance during his first summer league either. Then, the league’s 3-point king shot just 32.5% from the field and 34.5% from deep.

“I talked to Steph about it, and he kind of shot poorly his first year of summer league, too,” Podziemski said. “It’s just kind of how you bounce back from it. I know I’m a good shooter. I shot 44% from 3 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.”

While most of the focus has been on Chris Paul’s integration into the Warriors’ system, Podziemski and fellow rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis have also  been using training camp to see where they fit in.

Podziemski said he has not experienced much of a learning curve in terminology, and that practices and scrimmages have gone well. Following Tuesday’s scrimmage, head coach Steve Kerr said Podziemski’s Red Team with Jerome Robinson, Usman Garuba, Rudy Gay and Rodney McGruder stood out.

“It’s just applying what the coaches are telling you, putting your best foot forward, trying to help some of the other guys who may be a little bit behind you,” Podziemski said. “I just try to do my best out there and control what I can control.”

Kerr will not play his starters heavy minutes throughout the season, which means Podziemski will eventually have his moment to shine. And if he can string together solid performances in the coming weeks, he can start to establish himself and put his summer-league struggles behind him. 

“I think every time I step on the floor, I feel like I belong more and more now,” Podziemski said.

Green’s impact: Draymond Green is expected to miss four to six weeks because of a left ankle sprain, but Kerr told reporters on Friday that the forward remains involved in early training-camp practices. 

“Draymond’s energy dominates a room,” Kerr said. “In our first couple of days of scrimmages, he’s on the sidelines talking trash to both teams and pumping guys up, right in the middle of it all. He’s really excited about the season and progressing well with the injury.”

Paul will start Saturday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers in Green’s place. On Tuesday, Kerr said Green has been riding the stationary bike and lifting weights at practice. 

Injury update: McGruder is in concussion protocol and will miss Saturday’s game, the team announced Friday. The Warriors signed the guard to a non-guaranteed deal to compete for a roster spot during training camp.

Reach C.J. Holmes: [email protected]