The Golden State Warriors selected Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg with the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA draft, but the buildup to the big night was almost overshadowed by war room drama.
A clip of Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. having an intense discussion on draft night sparked rampant speculation online that there was some sort of disconnect between the two over which player to select.
Dunleavy addressed the moment during his post-draft press conference, admitting there were definitely some debates about whether to select Lendeborg or explore other possibilities. Dunleavy also said Lacob was just a little “anxious” about what was happening, as he wanted to select Lendeborg while the GM insisted they do their due diligence.
“From our standpoint, we knew we were going to pick Yaxel at 11,” dunleavy told reporters. “he was the guy. But you just want to flush him out, make sure you’re not missing anything that falls in your lap or makes a ton of sense. So that’s what we were doing. And I think Joe was like, ‘Come on, just let’s go ahead and pick the guy.’ I said, ‘Joe, we have time. They give you five minutes.’ He was just getting a little anxious about us taking Yaxel.”
Fans on X had a lot to say, with much of the reaction leaning toward the belief that Lacob was actually trying to shut down the selection of Lendeborg.
Here are the reactions:
While Lacob is known for being highly involved in the draft, his track record warrants some criticism. Past decisions, like picking James Wiseman over LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton, have backfired and hurt the Warriors.
Why Yaxel Lendeborg Could Be The Perfect Fit For The Warriors
Last season, the Golden State Warriors were the league’s second-oldest team. However, that hasn’t derailed their desire to chase another ring in the Steph Curry era. The Warriors have plenty of leadership within the locker room, but Yaxel Lendeborg could be the young blood needed to spark a new era. While the Warriors roster is filled with small guards, they desperately need a steady presence who can rebound, pass, defend, and play with force, and that’s exactly what Lendeborg brings to the table.
The aspect that immediately separates him from other rookies is his versatile skill set. His defense is NBA-caliber already, giving him the ability to slide right in alongside veterans like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green in defensive schemes. While he won’t be a starter right away, his arrival is incredibly exciting for fans and the organization alike.
The 23-year-old forward had a college season to remember, winning the national championship while being named a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year. He averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for Michigan, proving he is a plug-and-play asset who can impact winning immediately.
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