Golden State Warriors’ newest first-round pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, admitted that he used to “hate” superstar guard Steph Curry.
Lendeborg grew up a Kyrie Irving fan in 2016, when the two guards battled for championships at the grandest stage of them all. Due to that history, the former Michigan star said it was a “full circle” moment for him to join Curry on the Warriors.
“In 2016, I’m a big Kyrie guy, so I used to hate Steph Curry,” Lendeborg said in his post-draft press conference. “So now that I’m actually gonna be able to be on the same team, play and actually learn so much from him, it means a lot, you know. I’ve met him a couple times, he’s a very great guy, a genuine person. It’s gonna be an honor to watch him do what he does in person, so I’m very excited.”
The Warriors contemplated keeping the 11th pick, according to numerous reports. However, they eventually decided to stick with it and draft Lendeborg. The 24-year-old rookie will be among the more experienced prospects next season. Golden State seemingly chose him so that it could remain competitive with Steph Curry leading the team without Jimmy Butler for the foreseeable future.
Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds. 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks in 40 games in his final NCAA season with Michigan. Lendeborg shot 51.5% from the field, including 37.2% from three-point range. He led them to the national championship and won the Big Ten Player of the Year award.
Steph Curry’s former Warriors teammate calls Yaxel Lendeborg a “man-child”
Steph Curry’s former Warriors teammate, DeMarcus Cousins, appeared to be a huge fan of the Yaxel Lendeborg selection.
Cousins, who was live on Bleacher Report’s live draft coverage, believes it’ll work out well for the Warriors amid concerns about Lendeborg’s “maturity.”
“Being under a guy like Draymond, I think he’ll mature quickly …” Cousins said. “This kid is just a straight-up man-child.”
Yaxel Lendeborg has been compared to LeBron James due to his versatility in the frontcourt. He’s a well-rounded player who can contribute on both ends of the floor and overwhelm opponents with his size. The Warriors are seemingly the ideal fit for him, given that he can learn from a champion coach like Steve Kerr and from players like Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
Read more:
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