The Golden State Warriors are pinning a lot of hopes on a rookie they barely knew a few months ago. Yaxel Lendeborg, a 24-year-old first-round pick, has already carved out a massive role in the team’s starting lineup before the regular season even begins.
It all started before training camp, during a pickup game at Jimmy Butler’s mansion. Paired with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Lendeborg showed an uncanny understanding of the Warriors’ offense. When Green passed to him near the elbow and Curry set a back screen, Lendeborg didn’t just wait; he slipped to the basket for an easy dunk. Curry and Green were thrilled, shouting, “That’s all year! All year!” It was a glimpse of a player who already gets it.
Drafted 11th overall after a stellar college career at Michigan—where he helped lead the team to a national title—Lendeborg was a calculated pick. The Warriors wanted younger talent to help bridge the gap during Stephen Curry’s final seasons. At 6-foot-9, 241 pounds, with a massive 7-foot-4 wingspan, he has the physical profile of a prototypical NBA wing, something the team desperately needed while dealing with injuries to Butler and Moses Moody.
Coach Steve Kerr has been incredibly impressed, not just by Lendeborg’s physical readiness, but by his mind. Kerr noted how coachable and curious he is, constantly asking questions to get up to speed. In his first two preseason games, Lendeborg put up strong numbers, showing a great impact on both ends of the floor.
Of course, he’s not without his growing pains. Lendeborg is still adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA, particularly on defense. He has a tendency to stand up too much off-ball and can be a bit too casual, letting opponents get easy looks. But with assistant coach Frank Vogel focusing heavily on defensive details, Lendeborg is working through the learning curve, eager to master the switch-heavy schemes.
Away from the court, Lendeborg brings a confident, energetic personality. He’s already talking about averaging 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists, and believes he has a shot at Rookie of the Year. While the veterans are working to keep his feet on the ground and protect him from the intense media spotlight, they can’t help but be excited about what he brings to the table. He’s a winner, a physical presence, and potentially the key to the Warriors’ next chapter.
