Steph Curry Sets Realistic Expectations for Warriors Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg

Stephen Curry believes Yaxel Lendeborg can help the Golden State Warriors this season, but he wants the rookie’s progress measured by more than an ambitious statistical projection.

As interest grows around the first-round pick, Curry has outlined a straightforward expectation: improve consistently, contribute to winning and avoid allowing outside attention to define a successful night.

“The expectation for him is just keep getting better,” Curry said.

Curry also cautioned against expecting immediate production of 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Those figures represented the type of outside pressure a rookie might face, rather than a forecast for Lendeborg’s season. 

His message gives the Warriors a sensible approach to a player they expect to use: provide opportunities while leaving room for the mistakes that come with learning NBA basketball.

Lendeborg has already drawn favorable reviews for his approach. Curry has praised his willingness to listen, ask questions and make sound decisions, while describing a player who appears comfortable engaging with his new teammates. 

That matters in Golden State’s offense, where recognizing an opening can be as important as creating one.

Playing alongside Curry requires awareness away from the ball. A rookie must recognize when to screen, when to cut and when a defender’s attention creates a passing opportunity elsewhere. Holding the ball too long can erase an advantage before it produces a shot.

Lendeborg’s scoring will matter, but it should not become the only measure of his effectiveness.

A possession that ends with Curry making an open attempt may begin with Lendeborg delivering a timely pass. A strong screen or an offensive rebound can also create value without producing a large scoring total.

Curry’s comments suggest the Warriors want the rookie to develop confidence in those contributions. The practical challenge will be maintaining that confidence when his shot is inconsistent or an opponent exposes a mistake.

Coach Steve Kerr has also expressed enthusiasm for Lendeborg’s size and versatility, suggesting he expects the rookie to get substantial playing time. 

That makes Curry’s approach especially relevant. Lendeborg is preparing for responsibilities on a team trying to win, where development and immediate usefulness must happen together.

Al Horford has similarly praised the rookie’s ability to contribute in several areas, including attacking the basket, finding teammates and moving without the ball. 

Those skills provide possible routes to staying on the floor even when scoring opportunities are limited. Defensively, consistent positioning and rebounding would give Golden State further reasons to trust him.

The preseason should help reveal which combinations best support his strengths and which assignments require more work. It can also show whether his decisions remain sharp as the pace increases against NBA opponents.

Curry has offered an appropriate standard for that evaluation. Lendeborg should be judged on whether he helps possessions succeed, responds to coaching and becomes more dependable. The numbers can then reflect his progress instead of dictating it.