Draymond Green praised Yaxel Lendeborg’s confidence and the Warriors’ commitment after Golden State capped an undefeated Summer League with a championship.
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green appreciated more than just another Summer League title. He admired the confidence, competitive edge and winning mentality displayed by one of the organization's newest young players.
Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Green applauded Summer League Finals rookie MVP Yaxel Lendeborg following the Warriors' championship victory, saying the forward backed up his confidence when the moment mattered most.
"Yaxel was talking his sh-t… Listen, I respect that," Green said. "I've seen many guys over the years tighten up when the moment gets there and not be able to get it across the finish line. That's what Yaxel is hinting at right now, and I think it was great."
Green added that while Summer League success doesn't guarantee future NBA success, it can help establish a winning culture.
"I know when we started our run, it started with a Summer League championship," Green said. "Not that Summer League championships are guaranteeing future success, but needless to say, winning is always good."
Lendeborg Leads Golden State to Summer League Title
Lendeborg played a major role in Golden State's championship run, earning NBA Summer League Finals MVP honors after consistently producing on both ends of the floor.
Throughout the Summer League tournament, the versatile forward averaged 14.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while showcasing his ability to score, facilitate and defend multiple positions.
His biggest performance came in the championship game against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he recorded a dominant double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Warriors to a 94-90 victory. Lendeborg also added two assists and two steals while shooting 9-for-18 from the field and knocking down two 3-pointers.
The championship performance capped off an impressive summer that elevated Lendeborg's profile entering training camp, giving Golden State another promising young player to develop within its system.
Green Applauds Warriors' Young Core
Green also took time to recognize the entire Summer League roster and coaching staff for their commitment throughout the tournament.
"Shoutout to the young fellas going out there, taking it serious, locking in, and getting it done," Green said. "Happy to see them."
The four-time NBA champion specifically praised Summer League head coach Khalid Robinson, who has spent more than a decade within the Warriors organization.
At the winning team's press conference, Michigan players Yaxel Lendeborg and Trey McKenney look at each other and smile after looking at the stat sheets from their 69-63 win over Connecticut in the Final Four championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday, April 6, 2026."Happy for Khalid," Green said. "Lid's been with us for 10-plus years now, and to see him coaching the Summer League team, having an opportunity to put his mark on something... to see his postgame interview, was fun."
Green also highlighted guard LJ Cryer for his continued growth throughout the tournament, noting it was enjoyable to watch the rookie become increasingly comfortable offensively.
While Summer League championships rarely predict regular-season success, Green believes the habits formed during the event can carry over into the future.
Judging by his reaction, he sees plenty to like from a Warriors team that embraced the opportunity, finished the job and gave the franchise another reason to be excited about its developing young talent.
