Yaxel Lendeborg Opens up About Veteran Help From Draymond Green, Steph Curry

The Golden State Warriors have gotten younger players on their roster over the years, and this season, some of them could emerge as key pieces in the rotation. 

Still, alongside them are star player Stephen Curry and forward Draymond Green, a duo that has won four championships with the franchise. 

The Warriors drafted forward Yaxel Lendeborg out of Michigan in this year’s draft, and he is grateful to be in the presence of Curry and Green as he tries to pick their brain. 

"I'm asking everything that comes to mind. Like, 'Why did you wear this outfit instead of that one today?' Or like, 'Why did you make this play right here instead of passing it there?” Lendeborg said. 

That kind of help from Curry and Green to the young core, especially Lendeborg, could take the Warriors a long way. This year’s Warriors group will feature faces who haven’t been big parts of the rotation in past years. 

Guard Brandin Podziemski is slated to be the team’s starting shooting guard, and as it stands, Yaxel Lendeborg will be the starting small forward. 

Off the bench, players like Gui Santos and Will Richard will also see significant playing time, and leadership from the veterans will be important for this team’s success. 

As for Lendeborg, he could be someone who contributes a lot right away. Lendeborg is 24 years old and has the frame to compete with other physical forwards in the NBA. 

Throughout the preseason, he’s shown off some versatility by shooting threes and creating opportunities inside with the ball in his hands. 

If Lendeborg can emerge as one of the top Rookie of the Year candidates, that could bode well for the Warriors this season. 

With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody missing significant playing time this season, Lendeborg will have big shoes to fill in terms of offensive production. While he could have growing pains, he may be the most pro-ready prospect this draft class has to offer.  

Over the years, Steph Curry’s durability has become a challenge for Golden State, and at 38 years old, this team will have to prepare for when he misses games. 

That will serve as a good opportunity for Lendeborg and other young players on the roster, and it will be interesting to see how the Warriors can compete without their star veterans. If the young core can put Curry and Green’s expertise to good use, they will be in good hands.