After an inconsistent debut on Sunday against the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr revealed how rookie Yaxel Lendeborg can bounce back on the court.
Lendeborg finished with four points, nine rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot in the 104-101 loss at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Starting in the frontcourt, Lendeborg went 1-for-6 from the field in nearly 19 minutes of work.
The 11th overall pick knocked down the first shot of the game, then missed his next five before being lifted for good in the third quarter. While Lendeborg produced some good moments, Kerr and the Warriors want to see more from him.
"We need him to be more aggressive," Kerr said. "(There) was a really key play in the second half where
he has the ball right underneath the basket and he turns it over trying to throw it to Charles (Bassey), and they hit a 3 on the other end. That has got to be a layup. We need Yaxel to have an aggressive scoring mentality, and that's something we're going to work with him on because he can make plays and he can score."
Lendeborg was highly touted entering the draft this year for his scoring, rebounding, versatility and championship pedigree, traits the Warriors were enamored with. He is striving to showcase them this season to help the Warriors make a deep run.
The 24-year-old impressed Kerr with his work at the team facility and has shown well early in training camp. The group loves the size and versatility he brings to the lineup, which should ensure he gets consistent minutes this season.
While Lendeborg struggled to make shots, he still impacted the game and helped the team throughout his time on the court. He and the team will now evaluate the performance and learn how to improve for the rest of the preseason and their season opener on Oct. 21.
"He is very capable of being kind of our lead offensive threat when Steph is off the floor," Kerr said. "He connects the game beautifully. He makes the easy play over and over again, and looks good shooting the ball. He is a really good player, but he has got to get comfortable with the NBA game and with his opponents' personnel. ... Yaxel is five days into his NBA career - it'll take some time."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Warriors' Steve Kerr evaluates Yaxel Lendeborg's preseason debut
