In today’s Dub Hub:
- Yaxel Lendeborg reacts to the Warriors selecting him with the No. 11 pick in the first round of the NBA Draft.
- Mike Dunleavy Jr. explains his viral draft war room interaction with Warriors’ owner Joe Lacob.
- Austin Reaves agrees to a four-year, $185 million extension to remain with the Lakers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Golden State Warriors welcomed their newest addition to the team after selecting Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick in Tuesday night’s NBA Draft. Shortly after being drafted, Lendeborg spoke with the media and shared his excitement about joining Golden State.
One of the biggest takeaways from Lendeborg’s first press conference as a Warrior was his initial thoughts on his new teammates. The forward jokingly admitted that he “used to hate Steph Curry” while growing up
because of his fondness for former Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving. Now, however, he appreciates the opportunity to be teammates with one of the greatest players in NBA history.
There is a similar dynamic at play with Draymond Green as well. Lendeborg spent last season at Michigan, which shares one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries with Green’s alma mater, Michigan State. That history should make for an amusing pairing as Lendeborg discussed his excitement to learn from Green.
Despite the lighthearted comments, Lendeborg spoke highly of both veterans and appeared genuinely happy about the opportunity to learn from them. More importantly, his first interview as a Warrior offered an early glimpse into his personality. Lendeborg came across as an upbeat, personable, and competitive person who is eager to embrace this new opportunity — qualities that should make him a natural fit within the Warriors’ culture as he begins his NBA career.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, June 24th:
Warriors News:
Kawakami: ‘He can play everything’ — How the Warriors locked in on Yaxel Lendeborg | The San Francisco Standard
One team source indicated that the Warriors had Lendeborg rated about even with Burries and only had Duke’s Cam Boozer clearly placed on a higher level in this draft.
That might or might not be some slight retro-editing of their true big board (they weren’t going to take a lead guard in this draft and that position dominated the top nine selections). But either way, the Warriors definitely always were very high on Lendeborg and definitely always weren’t so worried about his birthdate.
Even if Lendeborg was actually the fifth or sixth player on the Warriors’ board, this was a strong enough draft to make the selection a happy one. If Burries had slipped to 11, I imagine it would’ve been an even giddier draft room, and Burries, at 20, simply has more practical upside than Lendeborg.
Grading Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg selection with No. 11 pick in 2026 NBA Draft | NBC Sports Bay Area
Can Lendeborg be the Warriors’ OG Anunoby? Big wings who can play all over the court are every franchise’s best friend.
The Warriors could have shot for more potential. They chose production for their most important pick in over a decade.
Grade: A-
Mike Dunleavy addresses the viral draft interaction with Warriors’ owner Joe Lacob
NBA News:
Round 2 NBA mock draft: Best available players, predictions | ESPN
Strengths: Lawal is one of the best all-around athletes in the draft, with a 45-inch max vertical. He’s a good rebounder who can block shots and play above the rim.
Weaknesses: His offensive skill is rudimentary and limits his ability to impact the game, and he is largely restricted to dunks and finishing plays around the basket. He’s more of a project than your typical 23-year-old prospect.
The verdict: Lawal is a late-blooming player who grew up in London and has made some strides with his all-around game over the past couple of years. His elite physical gifts make him an intriguing developmental pick, but he’s raw offensively and projects as a high-energy depth player at best.
Lakers and Austin Reaves agree on a $185 million extension, per ESPN’s Shams Charania
In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:
Takeaways from Yaxel Lendeborg’s draft night interview
Lendeborg concluded, “I can do everything in my power to make sure my mom knows how much she means to me. I can make sure she understands that I’m so grateful for everything she’s done. And that all I’ve ever wanted was to be someone who my mom could be proud of, someone she is proud to call her son.”
I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
