The Stephen Curry era in Golden State is slowly coming to an end, and the Warriors are doing whatever they can to give Curry the surrounding talent to help him compete. The Warriors need to give Curry talent to succeed while also building for the future.
Golden State selected Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick, but it looked like owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. weren’t on the same page in the draft room.
Warriors Owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. Argue in Draft Room
The Warriors haven’t been the juggernauts that fans were used to during their dynasty run. Now, they’re searching for any solution to their struggles. After winning just 37 games last season, the team needs help and Jimmy Butler’s injury will carry over into the early part of next season.
Lendeborg was picked to be a piece to the puzzle, but Lacob and Dunleavy appeared to be going at it in the draft room.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy appear to disagree on what to do with the pick 😅 pic.twitter.com/LGKd0hvQav
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2026
The Warriors haven’t drafted particularly well over the last five to six years. Many of their best picks have been dealt elsewhere, with Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman all on different teams. They need to get these picks right, and the discussion between Lacob and Dunleavy isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t look great.
Lendeborg is a high-IQ, versatile forward with a relentless motor and outstanding defensive anticipation. At 6’9″ with a lengthy wingspan, he fills the stat sheet, rebounding at an elite rate, making plays as a connector on offense, and logging blocks and steals across multiple positions.
Lendeborg excels near the basket with a soft touch and strong frame, and shows flashes as a floor spacer and creative passer, though his shooting consistency is still a work in progress.
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Defensively, Lendeborg’s quick hands, positioning, and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a valuable asset, though his foot speed against quicker wings could be tested at the NBA level.
He’s a vocal leader and efficient team defender, thriving in help-side and switching schemes. While questions remain about his positional fit and upside, Lendeborg’s all-around production, high motor, and impact on winning project him as a potential steal with clear rotational value.
The Warriors have just a few years left with Curry and need to give him the level of team that can help him compete for titles. While trying to build for the future, the Warriors aren’t going to sacrifice the chance to win now with Curry either. Lendeborg aligns well with that vision and will play a major role on this team next season.
