“Je suis surpris par le début de saison que je réalise,” Yaxel Lendeborg told Basket USA hours before his tenth NBA game against the Orlando Magic in San Francisco.
Drafted 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors, the 24-year-old rookie forward has quickly established himself as a vital rotation piece under head coach Steve Kerr. Sourced reports from TrashTalk note that Lendeborg has averaged 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across his early appearances, highlighted by a 31-point, 12-rebound, and 6-assist performance against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. His immediate production places him alongside elite historical company, having recorded 100 points, 40 rebounds, and 20 assists through his first five career games before later matching a scoring feat not seen from a Golden State rookie since Stephen Curry.
Mike Dunleavy Jr Identifies Lendeborg as Ideal Fit
Long before the NBA Draft, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. identified Lendeborg as an ideal fit for Golden State’s system. Following a championship run at Michigan, the forward arrived with the physical stature and court awareness required to earn early minutes. Roster injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody created an immediate vacancy for a physical wing player. Although Steve Kerr is historically cautious with rookies, Lendeborg seized the opportunity to become an indispensable rotation option.
"Je pensais vraiment que j'allais me pisser dessus." 😭😭 Yaxel Lendeborg ne s'attendait pas à cartonner autant pour ses débuts en NBA : 21,8 points, 9,3 rebonds, 4,8 passes de moyenne sur les 4 premiers matchs pour le rookie des Warriors. "Je suis absolument surpris (par mon… pic.twitter.com/YhxGUkDk1Z”
Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Lendeborg admitted to Basket USA that he initially anticipated a lengthy adjustment period. Je pensais que ça allait me prendre beaucoup plus de temps pour m’ajuster, peut-être même toute la saison,
he said, noting that his extra collegiate season at Michigan prepared him for the mental demands of the professional level.
Video Study and Video Games Shape Court Vision
Lendeborg attributes his advanced floor vision to two distinct preparation methods: rigorous game film study and playing NBA 2K. By reviewing his own turnovers and defensive coverages, the rookie diagnoses mistakes immediately. Uniquely, he credits playing point guard in video games for sharpening his recognition of floor spacing and passing options.
J’ai appris à lire certaines situations de jeu en jouant meneur à 2K,
Lendeborg told Basket USA. Quand je reconnais la même situation en match, je sais déjà quelles sont mes options.
He added that his basketball idols growing up included Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
Opponents Increase Physical Pressure Against Rookie
As opposing defenses take notice of his offensive output, opponents have increased their physical pressure. TrashTalk highlighted an early-season exchange involving Lendeborg following a matchup against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers, demonstrating the rookie’s vocal presence on and off the court. Moving forward, Lendeborg intends to streamline his offensive approach by limiting his dribbling to one, two, or three bounces per possession.
Nos adversaires sont de plus en plus physiques avec moi, et ils essaient de me mettre plus de pression quand j’ai la balle,
Lendeborg explained to Basket USA regarding the shifting tactical focus from opposing scouts.
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