Yaxel Lendeborg discusses his Rookie of the Year Award chances

Since joining the Golden State Warriors after being selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Yaxel Lendeborg has had his sights set on greatness at the NBA level. He performed exceptionally well during the summer league, leading Golden State to a summer league championship along

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Since joining the Golden State Warriors after being selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Yaxel Lendeborg has had his sights set on greatness at the NBA level. He performed exceptionally well during the summer league, leading Golden State to a summer league championship along with second-year forward Will Richard and recent two-way contract signee Graham Ike.

During NBA media day, Lendeborg spoke about his potential to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award, despite having 10 other prospects drafted in front of him. "I feel like I could win Rookie of the Year. But that’s not my main focus."

Having averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks during his final season at Michigan, Lendeborg is clearly

one of the most polished prospects from the 2026 class on the eve of his 24th birthday. If he can perform well in his role and help propel the Warriors to a playoff appearance, he could rival some of the league's top prospects, like top-four picks AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Yaxel Lendeborg discusses his Rookie of the Year Award chances