When Yaxel Lendeborg was 13 years old, he was just like many other teenage NBA fans — fiercely loyal to his favorite player and passionately opposed to the rival. For Lendeborg, that meant being a huge Kyrie Irving fan during the height of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors rivalry. And that meant one thing: he hated Steph Curry.
Fast-forward a decade, and Lendeborg found himself on a podium in Brooklyn, wearing a Warriors hat after being selected 11th overall in the NBA draft. The irony was not lost on him. He is now Curry's newest teammate, joining the very franchise he once rooted against.
“I used to hate Steph Curry,” Lendeborg admitted with a smile. “But now that I'm actually going to be able to be on the same team with him, play and actually learn so much from him, it means a lot. He's a very great guy, genuine person. It's going to be an honor to be able to watch what he does in person.”
Lendeborg's journey to the NBA has been anything but conventional. After spending his freshman and sophomore seasons at UAB, he transferred to Michigan for the 2024-25 season, where he blossomed into a star. He averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting nearly 59% from the field. His stellar play earned him Big Ten Player of the Year honors and led the Wolverines to a national championship, cementing his status as a lottery pick.
Despite his success, Lendeborg will turn 24 before he plays his first NBA game, making him older than the typical rookie. However, the Warriors were not deterred. General manager Mike Dunleavy noted that Lendeborg's maturity and readiness for the pro game were key factors in their decision. “He's, what, 23, almost 24? I'm not worried because he's not 38,” Dunleavy joked, referencing the advanced age of the Warriors' core.
Indeed, the Warriors are an aging team. Curry is 38, Draymond Green is 36, and Al Horford, who is likely to return, is 40. Jimmy Butler is rehabbing a torn ACL, and Moses Moody is recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon, both expected to miss significant time next season. This opens the door for Lendeborg to step into an immediate role. “The passing of the ball, the defensive stuff, whether it's on the ball or off the ball. (He) connects some lineups with his size. He can play inside. He can play outside. So it probably makes our job in free agency a little easier,” Dunleavy said.
Lendeborg's pre-draft process included a workout with the Warriors and a conversation with Curry during the play-in game between Golden State and the LA Clippers. He also visited the team's facilities and met with head coach Steve Kerr. The 6-foot-9 wing is known for his versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing on offense as a slasher and passer. His maturity and IQ impressed the Warriors' front office, especially during a meeting at the NBA combine in Chicago.
Lendeborg’s path to the lottery was not straightforward. He declared for the draft last summer but withdrew, opting to return to college and transfer to Michigan. That decision paid off as he elevated his stock from a fringe first-rounder to a surefire lottery pick. His performance in the national championship game, where he recorded a double-double, solidified his reputation as a big-game player.
One of the more entertaining moments of draft night came when ESPN cameras caught Dunleavy in an animated conversation with Warriors owner Joe Lacob. Speculation ran wild that they were debating the pick, but Dunleavy later clarified: “We got into it about best golf course in San Francisco. He didn't agree with me.” He then admitted the conversation was actually about trade options and Lacob's anxiousness, but ultimately the team was in “full agreement” on selecting Lendeborg.
Lendeborg also took a playful dig at another veteran teammate, Draymond Green, who is a Michigan State alum. “I know he's a Michigan State guy,” Lendeborg said. “I'm really not too fond of that. But I'm definitely excited to be able to meet him and speak to him in person and learn. Just learn everything I can.”
The Warriors had also targeted Arizona guard Brayden Burries, but he was selected 10th by the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving Lendeborg as the clear best option. The team’s draft room was optimistic when Burries fell past several teams, but once he was gone, Dunleavy and the front office quickly pivoted to Lendeborg.
With the Warriors entering a transition period — relying on an older core while integrating younger talent — Lendeborg represents a bridge between the present and future. He is not a project; he is expected to contribute immediately, particularly on defense and as a secondary playmaker. His ability to guard multiple positions will be crucial in a Western Conference loaded with athletic wings and bigs.
Lendeborg’s story is also one of personal growth. From a teenager hating Steph Curry to becoming his teammate, he recognizes the irony and the opportunity. “It's full circle,” he said. “I used to root against him, and now I get to learn from one of the greatest to ever do it.”
As the Warriors prepare for training camp, Lendeborg will have a chance to carve out a role alongside future Hall of Famers. His journey from Kyrie fan to Warrior is a testament to how quickly things change in the NBA. For now, the 23-year-old is focused on earning minutes and helping Golden State return to championship contention.
Dunleavy summed up the pick succinctly: “We were all in agreement to land on taking Yaxel.” The Warriors believe they have found a player who can grow with the team while contributing right away. And Lendeborg, who once despised Curry, is ready to embrace his new reality.
Source: MSN News