Chris Mullin did not hold back one bit, flat out declaring Yaxel Lendeborg is “going to be a perennial All-Star and just an All-NBA type performer” , and after just eight or nine games this season, it’s getting harder to argue with him. Lendeborg’s start with the Warriors has been nothing short of pretty exciting, completely changing the vibe around that team already.
The Trajectory Has Shifted
Coming into the season, with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody stuck on the injured list, the plan was simple: just tread water. Hang around until those guys got back. But then Lendeborg happened. He’s been playing at such a high level that the whole narrative around the team has done a 180. While other teams are struggling with injuries, the Warriors are actually making some separation, currently sitting in fifth place. Sure, Stephen Curry’s been phenomenal, as always, but it’s Lendeborg who’s been the one guy who came out better and quicker than anyone expected. The Warriors’ offseason acquisitions have been phenomenal too, they’ve played great, but nobody’s talking about them like they’re talking about Yaxel. He’s played better than anybody, even when you put him up against highly touted names like Cam Boozer or AJ Dybantsa, and it’s only been eight or nine games.
Numbers That Scream All-Star
When you look at the stats, it’s clear Mullin isn’t just throwing out hyperbole. Lendeborg is putting up an insane 21.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He’s shooting almost 50 percent from the field and a blistering 40 percent from three-point land. If you’re talking Rookie of the Year, he’d probably get the award right now. And here’s the real kicker: if the Warriors keep winning and he keeps playing like this, he’ll be in the All-Star game. Period. He’s playing *that* well, and the consideration for an All-Star nod is absolutely real if they win enough games. Mullin’s take that he’ll be a “perennial All-Star and just an All-NBA type performer moving forward consistently” feels less like a bold prediction and more like an early anointing.
With numbers like these and a legend like Mullin dropping that kind of praise, Lendeborg isn’t just turning heads, he’s blowing the whole damn league up. Keep an eye on this kid, because if he keeps this pace, the “perennial All-Star” tag won’t be a prediction, it’ll be a fact.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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