Brief
Steve Kerr says rookie Yaxel Lendeborg will see heavy minutes for Warriors
Kerr praised Lendeborg’s readiness and expects him to start early in the season.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Warriors coach Steve Kerr told ESPN’s Anthony Slater that rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg is "going to play a ton" and is already "one of our best players" (Bleacher Report). Kerr added the former JUCO prospect "deserves it" after Lendeborg posted 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kerr also told NBC Sports' Dubs Talk Podcast that Lendeborg is the "most pro‑ready rookie" he has had, crediting his development to former Michigan coach Dusty May. The coach said Lendeborg should focus on improving his defensive awareness and become more aggressive offensively, a point echoed by Draymond Green on his own podcast.
Lendeborg was selected 11th overall in the 2026 draft after playing at Arizona Western College, UAB and Michigan, where he averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds during a national‑title run. He is expected to debut in the regular season on Oct. 21 against the Lakers.
Key facts
- Steve Kerr said Yaxel Lendeborg will play a ton for the Warriors (bleacherreport.com)
- Lendeborg scored 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a preseason win over the Lakers (bleacherreport.com)
- Lendeborg was the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA draft (bleacherreport.com)
- He averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds at Michigan during their national title run (bleacherreport.com)
Sources
- [1] bleacherreport.com — originally reported as “Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg Hyped by Kerr Ahead of Rookie Season, 'One of Our Best Players Already'”
