Brandin Podziemski’s signature shoe “Rigorer BP1’s” ready for spotlight

From crashing boards to crashing shoe markets, Podziemski’s $90 signature arrives just as Golden State needs him for Tuesday’s play-in battle against Memphis

Let’s talk about timing, folks. Not just on the court, where Brandin Podziemski’s uncanny basketball IQ has made him the next Golden State guard to look to fill the shoes left behind by Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. But also in the marketing world, where Rigorer just dropped the BP1 two days before Golden State’s season hangs in the balance.

The April 12th launch of Brandin Podziemski’s first signature sneaker might seem like unfortunate timing after Sunday’s overtime heartbreaker against the Clippers (that 124-119 L still stings). But in the strange economy of basketball hype, Rigorer might have accidentally nailed the perfect window.

Think about it: Podziemski isn’t walking into Tuesday’s play-in against Memphis as just another Warriors role player—he’s walking in as the guy with his own signature shoe. That $90 price point (legitimately reasonable in today’s inflated sneaker market) means Warriors fans can actually afford to wear what Podz wears while watching him try to neutralize Ja Morant.

Sunday’s game against the Clippers showed exactly why this sophomore deserves a signature model so early in his career. In a game where every possession mattered, Podziemski’s 43 minutes weren’t just empty cardio—he delivered 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and a +12 plus/minus while the team ultimately faltered. Most rookies would have wilted under that spotlight. Podz thrived.

The “Kaleidoscope” colorway feels especially appropriate—a vibrant, eye-catching design for a player whose game constantly shifts and adapts. One possession he’s crashing the offensive glass like a power forward, the next he’s spotting up for corner threes like a specialist. The shoe’s breathable mesh upper and Golden Gate Bridge-inspired TPU reinforcement aren’t just marketing gimmicks; they’re features that complement his frenetic, always-in-motion playing style.

The “1962” edition honoring the Warriors’ founding year carries heavier symbolism. Podziemski isn’t just wearing Warriors colors—he’s stepping into a backcourt legacy defined by championship DNA. The Splash Brothers era transformed the franchise, and with Thompson now in Dallas (still feels wrong typing that), Podz has inherited responsibilities nobody expected to land on his shoulders this soon.

With Curry battling through a thumb injury and Jimmy Butler still finding his place within Steve Kerr’s system, Tuesday’s play-in becomes the perfect proving ground for both Podziemski and his footwear. Memphis brings their own young star in Ja Morant, continuing a rivalry that’s become one of the West’s most compelling subplots.

Remember, this is the same matchup from the 2021 play-in tournament, when Memphis knocked off Golden State before the Warriors reclaimed dominance in their 2022 playoff series. That history adds stakes to what was already a win-or-potentially-go-home scenario.

The technical specifics of the BP1 actually reflect Podziemski’s game remarkably well. Rigorer’s Showtime Foam supposedly delivers 70% more energy return than previous models—fitting for a player whose energy seemingly never wanes even in fourth quarters and overtimes. That nylon anti-twist plate should support the unpredictable directional changes that make Podziemski such a surprisingly effective defender despite lacking elite athleticism.

After watching him compete against Kawhi Leonard and James Harden on Sunday, it’s clear Podziemski has outgrown the “surprisingly good youngster” label. His 72% true shooting percentage against the Clippers would be impressive for a spot-up specialist, let alone a multi-dimensional guard handling significant playmaking responsibilities.

Whether the Warriors advance past Memphis (and potentially to face Houston in the first round) may depend on whether Podziemski can apply everything he’s learned through 82 games to the compressed intensity of elimination basketball. Playoff defenses will force him to make split-second decisions under pressure unlike anything he’s experienced.

But if the Warriors’ investment in Podziemski—and Rigorer’s investment in making him a signature athlete—proves prescient, those BP1s might just become a collector’s item.

The real question isn’t whether the shoes dropped at the right time, but whether the player wearing them is ready for what comes next. Tuesday night, we’ll find out.