Yaxel Lendeborg has already started both of his preseason games and is straight-up projected to be part of the Golden State Warriors’ starting five for the upcoming season. This rookie is out here gelling with his new teammates, filling a crucial role, and looking like a total stud with NBA-ready skills, and it’s wild to think the Warriors almost went a different direction on draft night.
Draft Night Drama: Burries vs. Lendeborg
Can you believe the Warriors, holding the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, had another guy ranked neck-and-neck with Lendeborg on their final draft board? ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Brayden Burries, an Arizona guard, had fans all over the organization and could have easily landed in the Bay Area if he’d been available. Team sources even indicated they would have snagged the 20-year-old combo guard for his upside if he was still on the board. Talk about a close call! The Milwaukee Bucks snatched Burries with the 10th overall pick, just one spot too soon for Golden State. Imagine how different things could have looked.
Lendeborg’s Early Fire Is Undeniable
Despite the near-miss with Burries, Lendeborg is proving to be a seriously strong fit for the Warriors. It’s safe to say there are zero regrets about how draft night shook out. He’s impressed in his first two preseason outings, and the upside is clearly there. Coach Kerr didn’t mince words to ESPN, saying, “He’s going to play a ton. Frankly, he deserves it. He’s one of our best players already.” Kerr even called the rookie “unbelievably coachable.” When a coach says that after just a couple of preseason games, you know this kid is special.
Lendeborg has given the Warriors’ fans every reason to be hyped for the upcoming season, and it’s clear they landed the right guy for what the team needed. Keep an eye on him as the season gets rolling; it sounds like he’s about to be everywhere on the court.
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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