Yaxel Lendeborg's Humble Beginnings Fueling Warriors' Rookie Star

DENVER — In the span of just four NBA games, Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has transformed from an overlooked junior college player into a significant offensive force. His recent 31-point, 12-rebound, and six-assist performance in the Warriors' 134-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets marked a career-best and highlighted his rapid ascent.

Lendeborg, who only four seasons ago was playing for Arizona Western College, a junior college in Yuma, Arizona, has admitted to initial doubts about his readiness for the NBA. "I definitely thought I was gonna wet the bed," Lendeborg confessed on Peacock after the game, reflecting on his pre-game anxieties.

This candid admission contrasts with the confident demeanor he has shown on the court, even engaging in back-and-forth with players like Luka Doncic. His journey from averaging single digits in junior college to becoming a lottery pick underscores a remarkable climb, culminating in a national title at Michigan before his selection in the NBA draft.

Following a subdued performance in his preseason debut where he scored four points on six shots, Lendeborg sought advice from veteran teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Their encouragement to play with confidence and aggression, despite potential mistakes, marked a turning point. "They pretty much just gave me free roam," Lendeborg stated, crediting their support for his shift in mindset.

Curry, Green, and head coach Steve Kerr publicly supported this directive, emphasizing the need for Lendeborg's aggressiveness. This change has been evident since his preseason struggles; he has scored in double figures in every game since, averaging 20.1 points per contest. He is the first Warriors rookie to achieve double-digit scoring in the first four games of his career since Chris Webber in 1993.

"He’s definitely getting better each and every day," Green commented on Lendeborg's development. "It’s extremely exciting because there’s so much he don’t know. He don’t know a lot."

Lendeborg acknowledges that while his offense is improving, his defense, particularly weakside help, still requires significant development. Green has taken on a role as a mentor, providing Lendeborg with constant guidance throughout games. "I find myself talking to him the entire game," Green said. "Just telling him something different. And I think what’s most of it is he can apply it right away."

Coach Kerr also praised Lendeborg's rapid learning curve and immediate impact. "At 24, in his fourth game. So, pretty impressive," Kerr remarked. "Because there’s still probably 10 plays that I can pull up on tape, either mistakes defensively or offensively not recognizing something that he needs to recognize. Despite all that, he just dominated the game and took over."

Lendeborg's willingness to learn extends beyond the court, as he actively sought advice from broadcasting legends Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Carmelo Anthony during a postgame interview, asking about general advice and areas for improvement.