The Golden State Warriors added national championship representation through Yaxel Lendeborg in the 2026 NBA Draft. Golden State nabbed the Michigan basketball star at No.11 overall to team with Stephen Curry and company. But Lendeborg revealed a Kyrie Irving reason why he once loathed Curry.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me. In 2016, I’m a big Kyrie guy, so I used to hate Steph Curry,” Lendeborg said while flashing a smile.
But he’s looking forward to learning from the multiple NBA Finals winner and legendary 3-point shooter.
"It's a full-circle moment for me. In 2016, I'm a big Kyrie guy, so I used to hate Steph Curry."
Yaxel Lendeborg on being selected by the Warriors
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“I met him a couple of times. He’s a really great guy. It’s going to be an honor to see him do what he does,” Lendeborg said.
The versatile Michigan talent brings needed front court help for Curry and company. He’s lauded for his defense and post scoring ability. The UAB transfer emerged as the top scoring option for a loaded Wolverines roster.
Lendeborg’s selection became a stunner, though. Some draft projections plugged him as the first Wolverines selection. Although Michigan center Aday Mara earned a top 10 projection by ClutchPoints. Even the Dallas Mavericks sparked the belief that new head coach and ex-Michigan leader Dusty May would roll with Lendeborg.
Except Dallas opted for Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 overall in a stunner. Johnson now arrives as future help for May and Cooper Flagg.
But Lendeborg hits new draft history with his Michigan mates. The Wolverines produced three first rounders. a first for a defending national champion since the 1985 season. Now he’ll aim to win titles with a legend who used to love to hate.
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