After leading Michigan to its second title, Yaxel Lendeborg is eager to get to work with the Golden State Warriors as the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Lendeborg was a consensus first-team All-American last season, averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 37.2% from 3-point range. He was also the Big Ten Player of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection.
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The 6-foot-9 forward is set to join a veteran team, headlined by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, among others. He is striving to help the group win at any cost by impacting games on both ends of the court, particularly on defense.
“I want to just try to develop something that I can be known for, like an identity for myself,” Lendeborg said on Friday. “I want to try to go in there and be able one of the primary defenders, see if I can gain some trust for them to put me on the best player on the other team or anything like that. Just being able to do all the little things on the court to help out.”
Lendeborg was highly touted entering the draft this year for his scoring, rebounding and ability to defend multiple positions. The team was also captivated by his championship pedigree, along with his unselfishness, versatility and vast skill set.
The 23-year-old knows that he faces an uphill battle of sorts as a rookie who must earn his playing time in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. However, with several positions still to be filled, Lendeborg is ready to compete for his place on the court.
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Lendeborg will begin that quest in summer league, starting with the California Classic on July 3. It will be his first opportunity to impress Kerr and the rest of the team.
“The impression that I want to leave on (Kerr) is just someone who is willing to learn, someone who is going to value all his core values and player values,” Lendeborg said. “Just do the best I can to get on his good side as quick as possible to see if I can get some extra playing time from it. I’m just very excited to be coached by someone like him, who is a genuine guy who seems like a person who cares more about you as a person, rather than a basketball player.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg reveals goals for upcoming rookie year
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