Warriors Trust Yaxel Lendeborg In Rookie Role

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as a key preseason storyline because the 6-foot-9 forward is expected to provide scoring, rebounding and versatility while the team manages injuries to several important players. The Warriors selected him No. 11 overall and are preparing him for a major role alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

According to ESPN, Lendeborg impressed the Warriors during training camp after leading their summer league team to a Las Vegas title. He averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds for Michigan while shooting 51.5% from the field before entering the draft.

During a preseason pickup game, Lendeborg recognized a backdoor opportunity created by Curry's movement and converted an easy basket with Green's pass.

"That's all year! All year!" Draymond Green and Stephen Curry shouted at Lendeborg, according to ESPN's report.

Green later described the rookie's understanding of the team's offense after the play.

"It looked like we had been playing together for a long time," Draymond Green said.

Jimmy Butler highlighted Lendeborg's physical profile as the Warriors look for size on the wing.

"He's massive," Jimmy Butler said.

"Just a big human being," Jimmy Butler said.

Coach Steve Kerr has praised Lendeborg's ability to learn quickly and his willingness to absorb the Warriors' system.

"Unbelievably coachable," Steve Kerr said.

Kerr also said the rookie has earned early opportunities because of his current level of play.

"He's going to play a ton," Steve Kerr told ESPN.

"Frankly, he deserves it. He's one of our best players already," Steve Kerr said.

Lendeborg's development accelerated after he changed his approach following his move from UAB to Michigan. He acknowledged that his preparation improved during his championship season.

"I was like, damn, I did that bad?" Yaxel Lendeborg said, recalling his previous draft evaluation.

"The biggest thing for sure is just practice overall," Yaxel Lendeborg said.

"I never took practice serious [until Michigan]," Yaxel Lendeborg said.

Stephen Curry said Lendeborg has shown an openness to learning despite the complexity of the Warriors' offense.

"I don't think he's afraid," Stephen Curry said.

The rookie still needs to improve defensively, especially with positioning and focus away from the ball, according to Kerr. The coach said Lendeborg's offensive talent must be matched by stronger defensive habits.

"The biggest thing I see that he needs work with is being in a stance," Steve Kerr said.

"Off-ball, he tends to stand up a little bit. The other night against the Clippers, he was casual and Rui [Hachimura] came off a couple pindowns and he wasn't quite prepared," Steve Kerr said.

After an early preseason game, Lendeborg sought guidance from Curry and Green and responded with a more aggressive performance against the Lakers, scoring 17 points in the first half, according to reports from Hoops Rumors and The San Francisco Standard.

"After (the preseason opener), I texted Steph and Draymond both to just ask for some advice and some guidance," Yaxel Lendeborg said.

"I was a little scared first game to be aggressive. I was a little shell-shocked and all. But getting the word of advice from both of those guys telling me that they believe in me and I have room to make mistakes, just gave me the extra confidence I needed tonight," Yaxel Lendeborg said.