How big can Yaxel Lendeborg be for the Golden State Warriors?
The Golden State Warriors didn’t make sweeping changes to their team in the offseason, missing out on top free agents and big trades, but they did inject some youth through the draft.
With the 11th overall pick, the Warriors selected Yaxel Lendeborg, a combo forward out of Michigan, who helped lead the Wolverines to a National Championship in 2026.
Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during his senior year, shooting 51% from the field and 37% from three. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year, an All-Region player, and a consensus All-American.
In the NCAA Tournament, he averaged 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on 54% from the field and 46% from three.
What He Brings To The Table
Lendeborg will be 24 by the time the season starts, making him one of the older rookies in the draft. He’s older than Brandin Podziemski, who is going into his fourth year in the NBA.
Time isn’t on his side, but he was also the most ready-to-contribute player in the draft, with an all-around game that should seamlessly blend into how the Warriors play.
He won’t be tasked with carrying the scoring load, though he can space the floor and get to the rim. Instead, he’ll be viewed as a player similar to Draymond Green, where he does a bit of everything. He is a better overall scorer than Draymond, especially with his three-point shooting, but doesn’t have quite the playmaking skills.
Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and create turnovers with his ability to get in the passing lanes.
Why He’s So Important
The Warriors have a sense of familiarity with the team, bringing back Draymond, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford as their frontcourt rotation. Without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody to start the season, their frontcourt is older with questionable health.
Lendeborg injects youth and plenty of talent, along with some much-needed athleticism, into a group that can use plenty of both.
He should make life easier for Steph Curry with his ability to play off the ball and do some of the dirty work that coach Steve Kerr loves and rewards.
The Warriors are viewed as a Play-In team at best. Their trajectory could easily change if Lendeborg is able to play as he did in Summer League, where he averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, leading the Warriors to a Summer League Championship.
