Warriors Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg Impresses, Calls Pro Players 'Lazy'
The 11th overall pick in the NBA draft is making an immediate impact, contributing rebounding and scoring skills the Golden State Warriors need.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is already making his presence felt, displaying skills and a confidence that suggest he is NBA-ready. Selected 11th overall in the recent NBA Draft, the 6-foot-9 forward has been a notable performer in the preseason, particularly in the Warriors' exhibition game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lendeborg finished the game with 17 points, nine rebounds, and two assists, with nine rebounds marking his second consecutive preseason game reaching that total. He attributed the higher rebound numbers to a perceived difference in effort from professional players compared to college athletes.
"I think it’s a lot easier to get rebounds here," Lendeborg stated. "In college, the paint was always packed and there’s always somebody coming out of nowhere to rebound. These guys, I feel they’re more lazy to get the rebounds. I’m having clear-shot rebounds by myself. It’s crazy."
This assessment comes as the Warriors face a season with diminished championship expectations following a quiet offseason. With veteran players like Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, the team is looking for contributions from its new talent. Lendeborg, at 24 years old, was seen as a player who could offer immediate impact, a priority for a team with aging stars like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler.
In the game against the Lakers, Lendeborg scored 17 points in the first half on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. His nine rebounds also led all players in the game. However, it's worth noting that the Lakers were without key players Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler for that matchup.
Lendeborg's strong preseason performance follows a successful college career where he led Michigan to a national championship. He also proved instrumental in the Warriors' summer league championship victory in Las Vegas, earning MVP honors in the final game with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
His readiness and assertiveness are seen as a welcome sign for the Warriors franchise, which has seen its championship window narrow after several seasons without advancing past the second round of the playoffs. Lendeborg's emergence provides a much-needed boost of hope for a team aiming to contend once again.