Yaxel Lendeborg has high expectations for himself.
The Golden State Warriors didn't make any big additions in the offseason, missing out on LeBron James and failing to trade for another star.
Instead, they re-signed Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Al Horford.
Their most exciting new addition will be the 11th overall pick in the NBA draft: all-around forward Yaxel Lendeborg out of Michigan. Lendeborg will be 24 by the time the season starts, but is the perfect plug-and-play player for a team that is still hoping to compete with Steph Curry still playing at an All-Star level.
Lendeborg is coming off a National Championship season with Michigan, and he is already setting expectations for his rookie year.
Yaxel Sets The Bar
Appearing on a Kick stream, Yaxel said that he is looking to average 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 or 4 assists this season, calling it the bare minimum.
In his senior season at Michigan, he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, so it's easy to see where he got his rookie minimum from.
Yaxel was a standout in Summer League, averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while winning Summer League MVP and leading the Warriors to the championship.
His role on the Warriors is currently undefined, as it remains to be seen if he'll be part of the starting lineup. There is a good chance he will start alongside Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porzingis, but Steve Kerr has always made rookies earn their spot and playing time.
Can He Do It?
If he's part of the starting lineup, that will go a long way in getting him those numbers. The more time he can spend on the floor with Steph Curry, the better he'll be.
Last season, Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Kristaps Porzingis averaged over 15 points for the Warriors. With Butler out, there are points to be had, but expect Podziemski to increase his scoring as he's playing for a big extension.
That Warriors offense is predicated on tempo and movement, and if his three-point shooting translates, he'll get his scoring opportunities.
Only Charles Bassey averaged six rebounds or more for the Warriors last season, and that was in a five-game sample size. Jonathan Kuminga and Butler were the next two leading rebounders. Yaxel is an excellent rebounder, and there will be boards to be had with the team rebounding effort of Golden State.
Five players averaged three or more assists, which isn't surprising given how the Warriors move the ball. This will likely be the easiest number for Yaxel to achieve.
