Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is already punching time on the clock with the season on the line, averaging a mind-blowing 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists through just three games. He is hitting an impressive 44.4% from three, proving he’s not just a flash in the pan, but a legitimate force making a massive impact right from the jump. This isn’t some prospect taking his time, this kid is absorbing massive responsibility and delivering the goods immediately.
Big Yax Is Delivering Instant Impact
Just how good has Big Yax been? He opened his season with a steady 12 points in Los Angeles, a solid debut. But he ramped it up instantly, dropping 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and three steals against Memphis. Then, in Phoenix, he absolutely went off for 26 points, including six threes, marking his first 20-point game. This isn’t some third-quarter garbage-time production either, the dude is playing about 34 minutes a night. Coach Steve Kerr is trusting him with starter minutes in close games because the team needs what he brings right now. It’s rare to see a rookie come out this hot, this engaged, and this essential, this early in the season.
A Rookie Standing Alongside Legends
Now, let’s talk about those numbers. An average of 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists over a season is elite company. We’re talking Wilt Chamberlain (1963,64, age 27: 36.9 points, 22.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists), Kevin Durant (2016,17, age 28: 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists), Rick Barry (1972,73, age 28: 22.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists), and Nate Thurmond (1967,68, age 26: 20.5 points, 22.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists). That’s four Hall of Famers, and not a single one of them put up those kinds of numbers as a rookie. Three games doesn’t put Yaxel in that room, but man, it’s a funny room to be standing right outside of, isn’t it? The buzz is real, with some even speculating he could win Rookie of the Year. It’s a crazy thought for a team where the present used to belong entirely to Steph, but Lendeborg is already answering questions normally asked over three years of prospect development. This isn’t like when James Wiseman was drafted and immediately thrown into the fire on a depleted team back in December 2020. Lendeborg’s impact feels different, more immediate, and absolutely essential for the Warriors right now.
The Warriors have a genuine phenom on their hands, and every game moving forward is going to be a must-watch to see if Yaxel Lendeborg can keep this absolutely ridiculous pace.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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