Yaxel Lendeborg reportedly impressed Warriors in workout, is ‘obvious' fit originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors have a big decision to make with their scheduled No. 11 pick in next week’s 2026 NBA Draft.
The options are endless and the team’s needs extend beyond one player or position, but one prospect in particular has stood out to someone close to the team, as ESPN’s Anthony Slater shared in a column published Wednesday.
“The fit is so obvious,” one team source said about Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who had a pre-draft workout with the Warriors last week.
The 23-year-old expressed the same mindset, detailing how he could see himself helping Golden State from Day 1.
“I would say, like five assists a game maybe to start off,” Lendeborg said after his Warriors workout. “A lot of defense, fastbreak opportunities for me. Depending on if I’m here or anywhere else, my role will be a lot different. But if I was here, I’ll be more like a secondary ball-handler. Whenever Steph [Curry] is taken out of the game, I’ll be there to assist, maybe provide a little more offense or instant offense.”
Lendeborg worked out for the Warriors last Thursday alongside Tennessee center Felix Okpara, Utah State guard Drake Allen, Illinois guard Kylan Boswell, South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson and Ole Miss forward/center Malik Dia.
Lendeborg is the only prospect among the group projected to go in the first round, so, to little surprise, he left a lasting impression on Warriors decision-makers in the building.
Slater added that Lendeborg solidified Golden State’s belief that the 6-foot-9 wing is a plug-and-play frontcourt option, per team sources.
A big reason for that is his age, as Lendeborg will turn 24 before the 2026-27 NBA season. He, nor the Warriors, views that as an issue.
“Lendeborg is 24, a week older than Jonathan Kuminga, the fifth-year wing the Warriors traded in February,” Slater wrote. “Lendeborg’s age, team sources said, doesn’t disqualify him. He’s a real option at the 11th spot. But it will be part of the calculus when the Warriors are on the clock, especially in a loaded lottery where a few intriguing prospects several years younger should fall.”
Last season, Lendeborg led the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1989, averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
