Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is already convinced the team nailed its draft pick of 24-year-old wing Yaxel Lendeborg, just two weeks into the season.
“Some teams never get it right, and we got this one right,” Lacob told 95.7 The Game on Monday. “I was 100% sold that this was the guy we wanted in the draft.”
The Warriors selected Lendeborg with the 11th pick this year, and he has quickly made an impact. He is averaging 21.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists over his first eight NBA games. On Sunday night, he delivered a breakout performance with 37 points, leading Golden State to a win over the LA Clippers while Steph Curry rested.
Lacob Praises the Rookie’s Readiness
Lacob said NBA general managers often favor players who are 18 or 19 years old, and he admitted that Golden State has made the same mistake. He believes Lendeborg stands out because he appeared ready to contribute immediately.
“We’ve all been guilty. There are some great upsides on these guys. But this guy seemed like a champion and ready to play,” Lacob said. “Everything we thought he could be he’s come in and exceeded that. He’s surprised Steve [Kerr] for sure. He doesn’t have any weaknesses.”
A Turnaround Season and a Lottery Hit
The Warriors have won five straight games after opening the season 0-3. Lendeborg gives them a young talent on a cheap rookie contract. His emergence also stands in contrast to recent high picks. James Wiseman, taken No. 2 overall in 2020, and Jonathan Kuminga, taken No. 7 overall in 2021, are no longer on the roster.
Lacob acknowledged the franchise’s past missteps but defended its track record.
“We’ve made our mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes,” Lacob said. “We didn’t get the draft exactly right or maybe we didn’t get the development right on a couple other higher draft choices in the past. Fine. Criticize us for that. But the draft is hard, guys.”