When the Golden State Warriors selected Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, they hoped the 24-year-old forward could contribute as a rookie. However, what the Warriors got in Lendeborg has proven to be much more.
The former Michigan standout has averaged 22.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field over Golden State's first five games. In a star-studded rookie class, Lendeborg has emerged as one of the top early prospects, showcasing a high ceiling and an impressive floor. He's actually been so impressive that, through his first four NBA games, he accomplished something only three other players have since 1985-86.
As OptaSTATS revealed, Lendeborg joined Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and
Shaquille O'Neal as the only players to score 85-plus points and grab 35-plus rebounds in their first four games.
NBA players with 85+ points & 35+ rebounds in their first 4 career games in the draft lottery era (since 1985-86):
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 27, 2026
Patrick Ewing
David Robinson
Shaquille O'Neal
Yaxel Lendeborg pic.twitter.com/o7Gj3pNTBT
To say that puts Lendeborg in elite company would be an understatement. Those three players are among the best bigs ever to play in the NBA, and now the Warriors rookie is stamped right alongside them.
As impressive as Lendeborg's early play has been for the Warriors, it's even more important to note that he appears to have clicked with his teammates, specifically Steph Curry and Draymond Green, almost immediately. Although the Warriors dropped their first three games, they've picked up back-to-back road wins over the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Yaxel Lendeborg already accomplished an NBA feat we haven't seen in over 30 years
