The Golden State Warriors have selected Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, hoping the versatile rookie can provide an immediate impact and help extend the championship window for star Steph Curry. At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, Lendeborg is a forward with the ability to play small-ball center, handle the ball, shoot 3-pointers, and defend positions 1 through 5.
Lendeborg, 23, was the Warriors' highest draft pick in five years. His selection comes at a critical time for Golden State, which has missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons after winning four championships between 2015 and 2022. The team is also facing early-season absences due to injuries to Jimmy Butler (torn right ACL) and Moses Moody (torn left patellar tendon).
"He’s going to throw assists to Steph Curry, the greatest shooter of all time. He’ll be in a defensive stance alongside Draymond Green," Lendeborg said, envisioning his future with the team. He specifically highlighted learning from Green's defensive prowess. "I have a lot to learn. He’s such a great defender, such a versatile defender. That’s something I’ve always wanted to improve on. So being able to learn from him is something I’m very excited to do."
Lendeborg's readiness for immediate contribution is partly due to his age and experience. He is at least three years older than the other 10 players selected before him in the draft. This maturity was a key factor for the Warriors, who are in win-now mode and prioritizing a player who could integrate quickly.
"We got the guy we were looking to get," said Warriors owner Joe Lacob. Lendeborg led Michigan to an NCAA championship last season, averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He was recognized as a first-team All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year.
During the Las Vegas Summer League, Lendeborg averaged 17.5 points on 48.1% shooting and 50% from beyond the arc in the team's first two games. However, he acknowledged the need to improve his conditioning after a break from playing.
Lendeborg has expressed confidence, proclaiming, "I’m excited to start another Warriors dynasty." He also indicated the team is still in pursuit of LeBron James, whom he views as another potential mentor. "Being able to learn from him. He plays the same position as me. We’re pretty much built kind of the same... Being able to learn how he’s kept his body intact, the workouts he’s done, what he did to increase his game IQ. That is something I’m very excited to learn from him."
His arrival has already sparked lighthearted exchanges with his new teammates. Lendeborg admitted he used to dislike Curry as a fan of Kyrie Irving, to which Curry responded on Instagram, "Let’s go! Welcome to the Bay! I’m going to work hard to be your new favorite player." Draymond Green also addressed Lendeborg's playful complaint about not receiving a text back, asserting on his podcast that he replied immediately.
Lendeborg expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play with Curry and Green, recognizing their Hall of Fame careers and championship experience. "They’re all historically good players. They’re all going to be in the Hall of Fame. They’ve won at the highest level multiple times. There’s so much to learn and so much to be."
On draft night, Lendeborg was nervous about his draft position, especially with other players rumored to be on the Warriors' radar. His joy was palpable when his name was called, leading to an emotional embrace with his mother, Yissel Raposo, who had battled Stage 4 appendix cancer. "There’s nothing better than being able to give this gift to my mom," he said.