Career
Formerly, he played in the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association Development League. He is a 2.26 m (7 ft 5 in) and 138 kg (304 lb) center. Podkolzin made his debut with Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, in the Russian second division, during the 2001-2002 season.
In December 2001, he signed with Italy"s Metis Varese, for whom he played from 2002 to 2004.
He was selected by the Utah Jazz in the 2004 National Basketball Association Draft and promptly traded to the Dallas Mavericks for a future first-round pick in the 2005 National Basketball Association Draft. He was originally available for selection in the previous year"s draft, but withdrew due to acromegaly, a pituitary disorder.
Podkolzin was considered to be a high draft pick in the 2004 draft because of his size, blocking ability and strength, but he was chosen late in the draft. Podkolzin averaged 6.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes in his first two Las Vegas Summer League Revue games.
On August 5, 2006, he was waived by the Mavericks after appearing briefly in just six games spanning two seasons.
In 2006-2007, he played in the Russian Super League for Khimki British Columbia and former team Lokomotiv Novosibirsk.