With the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors chose Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg.
Lendeborg was a consensus All-American, the Big Ten Player of the Year last season, and helped lead Michigan to the National Championship, so the pick has inspired confidence as the offseason begins in the Bay Area.
However, the pick may not have reflected unanimous agreement within the organization.
Disagreement Between Warriors Owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. Over Yaxel Lendeborg
During Tuesday night’s draft coverage, there was live video of Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., who seemed to be arguing over what to do with the selection.
The NBA world quickly picked up on what appeared to be an argument and reacted as you might expect.
Barstool’s Bobby Reagan posted the video along with a suggestion for future draft coverage.
“We need cameras in draft rooms on at all times,” Reags said. “That’s how we end up with the Warriors, Joe Lacob/Mike Dunleavy arguing during their pick. I’d watch this stuff 100 times over a regular broadcast.”
We need cameras in draft rooms on at all times. That’s how we end up with the Warriors, Joe Lacob/Mike Dunleavy arguing during their pick. I’d watch this stuff 100 times over a regular broadcast pic.twitter.com/fqv9SK0AXS
— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) June 24, 2026
Courtside Buzz also got a good look at the situation and believes it is a disagreement over the 11th overall selection.
“Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob & General Manager Mike Dunleavy appear to disagree on what to do with the No. 11 pick 😳,” they said. “Warriors selected Michigan senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg, although many thought they’d take Michigan center Aday Mara. Thoughts? 🤔”
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob & General Manager Mike Dunleavy appear to disagree on what to do with the No. 11 pick 😳
Warriors selected Michigan senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg, although many thought they’d take Michigan center Aday Mara.
Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/icdRkQbnm4
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) June 24, 2026
Mark A. Kern II compared the situation to that of Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, who reportedly disagreed over using the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft on Alabama QB Ty Simpson.
“Sean McVay and Les Snead 2.0???” Kern asked.
Sean McVay and Les Snead 2.0???#NBADraft
— Mark A.Kern II (@Markkern111) June 24, 2026
Sam Esfandiari of Splash Sports shared his thoughts on what the argument may be.
“YOU TOLD ME BURRIES WOULD BE AVAILABLE,” he wrote. “WTF MIKE. GET ME NATE AMENT!”
Although the pick was popular with some, not everyone, such as John Frascella, was a fan.
“You can understand why… you can argue they just took a pure role player with a Lottery Pick…” Frascella said.
Lacob hasn’t always been spot on with his thoughts.
“Reminder, Joe Lacob “slammed the table” when the Pacers took Chris Duarte, a 24-year-old guard, before the Warriors at No. 14 in the 2021 NBA Draft,” Alex Golden of Sports Illustrated said.
Reminder, Joe Lacob “slammed the table” when the Pacers took Chris Duarte, a 24-year-old guard, before the Warriors at No. 14 in the 2021 NBA Draft. https://t.co/PhOIzTdvOC
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) June 24, 2026
Just who wanted to select Lendeborg isn’t important now because those advocating for him clearly got what they wanted in the end.
PFSN had the following scouting report for Lendeborg:
“Yaxel 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.”
“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.”
