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Ivory CoastHow Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg Is Winning Over the Warriors
Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is making a fast impact as the team searches for immediate help during Stephen Curry's final years.
Quick Impact in Golden State
The Golden State Warriors needed immediate help, and they might have found it in rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. During a preseason pickup game at Jimmy Butler's house, Lendeborg made a quick backdoor cut off a Stephen Curry screen. Draymond Green found him for an easy dunk. It was a simple play, but it showed that the 24 year old rookie already understands how the team plays.
The Warriors drafted Lendeborg with the number 11 pick. They originally wanted Arizona guard Brayden Burries, but the Milwaukee Bucks took him at number 10. The Warriors quickly turned to Lendeborg, believing his size and experience fit their urgent timeline. At 6 foot 9 and 241 pounds, he brings much needed size to a roster currently missing injured players Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody.
From College to the Starting Lineup
Lendeborg has had a busy year. After winning a national title with Michigan, where he averaged 15.1 points per game, he helped the Warriors win the Las Vegas summer league title. Coach Steve Kerr has already put him in the starting lineup during the preseason. Kerr called the rookie "unbelievably coachable" and said he is already "one of our best players."
It is a big change from his first draft experience. When he first declared for the draft after playing at UAB, team executives told him he was behaving poorly. Lendeborg took the feedback, went to Michigan to work on his habits, and returned as a much better prospect. Now, teammates like Curry appreciate his mental focus and willingness to learn.
Defensive Growing Pains
Despite his promise, Lendeborg still has rookie mistakes to correct. Coaches have noticed some casual play on defense, especially when he stands up instead of staying in a proper defensive stance. During preseason games, he gave shooters like Rui Hachimura too much space.
Draymond Green has been vocal about keeping the rookie focused on defense. Assistant coach Frank Vogel, who was hired this summer to fix the defense, is also working closely with him. Lendeborg admitted that the advanced defensive schemes in the league are a major adjustment from college.
What it means for the next game
Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors (NBA, Sun, 11 Oct): Golden State Warriors win 78%, Sacramento Kings win 22%; projected score Golden State Warriors 122, Sacramento Kings 112. Our safest pick: Warriors to win.
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, Wed, 14 Oct): Los Angeles Lakers win 58%, Golden State Warriors win 42%; projected score Los Angeles Lakers 114, Golden State Warriors 111. Our safest pick: Warriors +11.5.
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