Golden State Warriors player Jimmy Butler shared his positive assessment of the team's recent draft pick, Yaxel Lendeborg. The Warriors selected Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick in the NBA draft on Tuesday. Butler stated that he respects Lendeborg's willingness to speak his mind and believes the rookie will be very effective.
"I know that guy be speaking his mind. I like that," Butler told reporters during a media session on Thursday. "I respect that. I’ve seen him play. One of my really good friends, Mike Smith, did a year at Michigan. I played with some Michigan cats. I think he’s going to be very good."
Butler further elaborated on Lendeborg's potential contributions, noting his toughness and ability to make an immediate impact. "He plays tough. He is tough. He’s going to come in and be able to help right away. He’s going to fit in. He’s got the mold to do everything and do everything well. I think he’s going to come in and help and be very comfortable," Butler said.
Lendeborg, a 23-year-old from Michigan, is expected to bring size and defensive versatility to the Warriors' wing for the upcoming 2026-27 season. He has already engaged in lighthearted exchanges with existing Warriors players, including Draymond Green and Steph Curry. When asked about potentially taking the No. 23 jersey from Green, Lendeborg humorously declined, with the condition that he would have to wear Michigan State gear for the rest of the year. Curry also playfully commented on an Instagram post, stating he would work hard to become Lendeborg's favorite player, referencing Lendeborg's past admiration for Kyrie Irving during the 2016 NBA Finals.
"He’s on one. He gotta cross that bridge at one point in time, though. So, it’ll be fun for them to get ahold of them," Butler commented on the developing rivalries within the team.