In today’s Dub Hub:
- Michigan prospects Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara headline latest Warriors mock draft roundup.
- NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson makes the Warriors to trade down for more picks in this year’s NBA Draft.
- Victor Wembanyama scores 32 points as Spurs beat the Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, 115-111.
The 2026 NBA Draft is just two weeks away, and the Golden State Warriors continue to explore their options with the No. 11 overall pick. As draft boards begin to crystallize, several prospects have emerged as popular selections for Golden State in recent mock drafts.
Here’s a roundup of who various draft experts believe the Warriors will take:
- The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, Forward
- SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, Forward
- The Associated Press’ Aaron Beard and Brian Mahoney: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, Forward
- CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein: Aday Mara, Michigan, Center
- Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O Connor: Aday Mara, Michigan, Center
- ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel: Cameron Carr, Baylor, Wing
- Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman: Karim Lopez, New Zealand, Forward
- Tankathon: Nate Ament, Tennessee, Forward
The most common names linked to the Warriors come from NCAA national champion Michigan, with both small forward Yaxel Lendeborg and center Aday Mara appearing
in multiple mock drafts. Given the Warriors’ longstanding need for positional size and frontcourt depth, it’s not difficult to understand the appeal.
Lendeborg may be one of the older prospects in this draft class at 23 years old, but he could also be among the most NBA-ready. The 6-foot-9 versatile forward averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while helping lead Michigan to a national championship. With a reported 7-foot-3 wingspan, Lendeborg offers the size, athleticism, and defensive upside that could allow him to contribute immediately for the Warriors.
Meanwhile, Mara has emerged as one of the fastest-rising prospects in this year’s class. The 7-foot-3 center measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach at the NBA Draft Combine, providing the type of size the Warriors have lacked for years now. Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 66.8 percent from the field last season. While his length and rim protection already make him an intriguing option, one of Mara’s most underrated strengths is his passing ability. Mara averaged 2.4 assists per game with the Wolverines last season, showcasing a willingness to facilitate which should bode well for his potential fit within head coach Steve Kerr’s offense.
Regardless of who ultimately hears their name called by the Warriors on draft night, this postseason has only reinforced Golden State’s need for an injection of youth, size, and athleticism. Several prospects in this range could help address those concerns, but Lendeborg may be the one to watch most closely given his experience and ability to contribute from Day 1.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, June 9th:
Warriors News:
2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Latest intel and updates for all 60 picks with 2 weeks until draft | ClutchPoints
Along with Carr and Mara, Burries, Hannes Steinbach, and Yaxel Lendeborg are other names commonly brought up as targets for the Warriors around the league. Ament and Flemings are among the two players Golden State would give serious consideration to if they fell out of the top 10. Speaking of Lendeborg, he has a scheduled upcoming workout for the Warriors, a source said. How he performs during this workout will greatly impact whether he is truly in play for the Dubs, as he has been a hard read as of late.
How Warriors can create their perfect path in first round of 2026 NBA Draft | NBC Sports Bay Area
It’s also why the Warriors should get greedy. The best path forward for the Warriors isn’t somehow moving up in the draft. The real best outcome would be leaving the first night of the draft with multiple first-round picks.
So, what’s the easiest way for that idea to come true? There are two teams that have two first-round picks this year: The Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets. Let’s start with OKC.
Warriors players give advice to their younger selves
NBA News:
Finals Film Study: Victor Wembanyama finds way to rim in Game 3 | NBA
In Game 3, Wembanyama set 35 ball-screens, the third-highest total in his 19 playoff games. Of the 35, 16 of them had two players on the weak side.
But late in the second quarter, right after the Knicks took their first lead of the game, the Spurs found something with two players on the strong side. Julian Champagnie was in the left corner, and Harper was in the left “dunker” spot (on the baseline, just outside the paint). That left Devin Vassell (deep in the right corner) as the lone Spurs player on the weak side as Wembanyama set a ball screen for De’Aaron Fox.
With Vassell so far away, the Knicks had nobody to tag Wembanyama as he rolled into the paint. Both Jordan Clarkson (Vassell) and Josh Hart (Harper) collapsed into the paint after Wembanyama caught the ball, but now the Knicks were a little scrambled.
Thunder GM Sam Presti fires back on free-throw narrative around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:
How long can the Warriors reign as the most recent repeat champions last?
They lost the crown the next year against the Toronto Raptors. A year later, James returned to the finals and this time emerged victorious, now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Giannis Antetokounmpo, years before discontent with the Milwaukee Bucks would brew, hoisted the trophy in 2021, and then the Warriors snuck back in for a surprise revival in 2022. In 2023 it was the Denver Nuggets, and in 2024 the Boston Celtics.
Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
