When the Golden State Warriors drafted Yaxel Lendeborg out of Michigan with the eleventh overall pick in the 2026 draft, they were getting arguably the most NBA-ready player, as he was set to turn 24 before the season got underway.

Yaxel came into the draft as one of the most polished two-way players with an all-around game that would fit into any system, but would be perfect with the Warriors given the way they move the ball, set screens, use motion, and push the pace.

In his five preseason games, Yaxel has shown his all-around ability, averaging 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, four assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks on 56% shooting from the field and 43% from three.

While Yaxel is entering his first season in the league, veteran Al Horford is entering his 20th, but only his second with the Warriors.

Speaking about Yaxel’s game, Horford said, "It's been impressive because even if teams pressure him, if there's things going on, there was a couple of times there I didn't think that he was going to make the read because I was open and he was making the right play. He was making the pass, so it's credit to him. He has excellent floor vision and he passes the ball really, really well. So, just impressed with his composure and knowing when to go and when to pass. So, that's a really good sign for us."

Like Yaxel, Horford came out of college as a National Champion with Florida, touted for his all-around ability on both ends of the floor. He was selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks.

The Warriors haven’t had much success drafting in the lottery since they took Harrison Barnes with the seventh overall pick in 2012.

James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga failed to stick, while the jury is still out on Moses Moody, who will miss a good portion of the season with a patella injury.

Lendeborg comes in with high expectations as Warriors fans want to compete in the twilight years of Steph Curry. He also comes in with the right group of veterans who can guide him the right way without feeling the pressure of a championship.

Yaxel can learn from Horford and Draymond Green, two players who play a similar style and have similar strengths to Yaxel. Horford’s early praise is a good sign for their relationship.