Axel Randeborg joined the Golden State Warriors as the 11th overall pick in the 2026–2027 NBA draft after a journey through junior college and an NCAA title.
The 24-year-old forward has played 12 games this season, averaging 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Standing 206 centimeters tall with a 224-centimeter wingspan, Randeborg draws notice for his defense, driving ability, outside shooting, and passing.
NBA.com ranked him first in its weekly rookie evaluation published on Tuesday, February 10.
Golden State relies on Randeborg’s output while star guard Stephon Curry recovers from an oblique tear that sidelined him for at least two weeks.
Randeborg led the Warriors with 25 points and 10 rebounds in a matchup against Houston on Tuesday, February 10, the same night Curry sustained his injury during play.
Randeborg missed playing time in high school after video games disrupted his academics, costing him eligibility for his sophomore and junior years.
He improved his grades to graduate as a senior, but no college programs recruited him with his sparse game tape. Randeborg left basketball behind in 2020 after high school and worked various jobs, including moving freight in a warehouse alongside his mother.
Isel Raposo, a former Dominican Republic women’s basketball national team player, intervened to restart her son’s career by contacting college coaches and placing him in basketball camps.
Raposo received an appendiceal cancer diagnosis last year but hid her treatment from Randeborg so he could maintain his focus on basketball.
“I think I’m playing basketball for people who don’t believe in themselves,” Randeborg said, according to donga.com. “I want to be a role model for those people. Don’t doubt yourself, and at least try one more time before you give up.”
Randeborg purchased a new home for his mother and younger siblings after reaching the NBA to reward her years of raising them.
The Golden State Warriors return to the floor for their next scheduled fixture on Thursday, February 12.
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