Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg turned heads with his infectious confidence and humor during NBA Media Day. The 11th overall draft pick reflected on his rapid adjustment to the professional level following an impressive Summer League campaign.
Lendeborg expressed awe at playing alongside Stephen Curry, pointing out the gravity Curry commands on the court. “I’ve never come off a screen and seen nobody in front or behind me,” Lendeborg joked when describing a scrimmage sequence. He also
lightheartedly claimed to have blocked a Curry three-pointer during practice, telling reporters, “They said it was a foul. I told my friends it was a block.”
Yaxel Lendeborg on the slip cut in a scrimmage off Steph’s gravity: “I’ve never come off a screen and seen nobody in front or behind me.”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 28, 2026
He also said he blocked a Steph 3: “They said it was a fouls. I told my friends it was a block. pic.twitter.com/JQxEr5yIaP
Beyond the humor, Lendeborg voiced ambitious personal goals for his debut season, targeting an All-Rookie First Team selection. Head coach Steve Kerr praised his size and versatility, confirming Lendeborg is poised to play a major role in the Warriors’ rotation this season.
Yaxel Lendeborg said he wants to be All-Rookie first team: "I feel like I could be Rookie of the Year, but that's not my main focus."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 28, 2026
