Warriors Work Out Yaxel Lendeborg, Potential No. 11 Pick

Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg participated in a pre-draft workout Thursday at the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center. Lendeborg, who helped lead the Wolverines to a national title and a program-record 37 wins, is projected as the No. 11 overall pick, placing him directly within the Warriors’ draft range.

Why Yaxel Lendeborg fits the Golden State Warriors

Lendeborg offers an NBA-ready profile that could provide immediate youth to an aging roster. Standing nearly 6-foot-9 barefoot with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, the 23-year-old is viewed as a versatile asset capable of sliding across multiple positions.

At Michigan, head coach Dusty May assigned Lendeborg to defend the opponent’s top player, ranging from jumbo forwards to shifty point guards. Lendeborg stated he would fit “perfectly” in Golden State’s system, noting that playing off Stephen Curry’s gravity would simplify his reads and help teammates get open.

During his final college season, Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He told reporters he is willing to “put aside any stat” to secure wins.

Did You Know? Yaxel Lendeborg helped lead the Michigan Wolverines to a program-record 37 wins and a national championship this past season.

How the Warriors’ draft strategy has shifted

Drafting Lendeborg, who will be 24 by his first NBA game, represents a pivot from Golden State’s previous approach. The team previously targeted high-pedigree teenagers like James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody in 2020 and 2021 to build a core for the post-Curry era.

That “two timelines” strategy failed, leading the front office to prioritize immediate support for Curry. Recent moves include trading for Jimmy Butler, signing 40-year-old Al Horford to a two-year deal, and trading Kuminga for Kristaps Porzingis in February.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the transition from drafting for “upside” to drafting for “readiness” signals a full commitment to the current championship window. By targeting an older, experienced collegiate player, the Warriors are likely prioritizing functional versatility over long-term developmental potential.

What is Yaxel Lendeborg’s path to the NBA?

Lendeborg’s trajectory differs from most lottery prospects. A late bloomer from Pennsauken, N.J., he had limited organized basketball experience in high school before spending three years at a junior college in Yuma, Ariz.

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He later played two seasons at UAB before his final year with Michigan. Lendeborg acknowledged that while other prospects have been in the spotlight longer, he believes his journey gives him an edge in terms of effort and work ethic.

Who else participated in the Chase Center workout?

Lendeborg was the primary focus of Thursday’s session, but the Warriors brought in five other prospects. These players are generally viewed as undrafted free agents or late second-round picks.

Drake Allen (Utah State, guard)
Kylan Boswell (Illinois, guard)
Meechie Johnson (South Carolina, guard)
Malik Dia (Ole Miss, forward)
Felix Okpara (Tennessee, center)

The Warriors are expected to hold additional workouts for other prospects next week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Yaxel Lendeborg’s stats at Michigan?
He averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

How does Lendeborg’s age compare to other lottery picks?
At 23, Lendeborg is the oldest projected lottery pick by a wide margin.

What physical measurements does Lendeborg have?
He is nearly 6-foot-9 barefoot with a 7-foot-3 wingspan.

Would the Warriors be better served by a veteran-style rookie or a high-upside teenager?