Yaxel Lendeborg’s rapid rocket ride into the galaxy is, six games into NBA Summer League, descending back toward Earth. The Warriors could not have scripted it any better.
The rookie introduced himself with savvy passes, rebounds in traffic, forceful drives to the hoop and deep shooting that was too fantastic to sustain. He didn’t do more than enough to drizzle a fine mist of optimism over Warriors fans, who, while waiting for a LeBron James decision, are longing for any reason to cheer.
Through Lendeborg’s first four games – two in the California Classic, two in Las Vegas – the team’s 2026 lottery pick, No. 11 overall, did plenty to satisfy his new employer. His shooting was particularly impressive, as the 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward was 13 of 21 (61.9 percent) from deep.
The next two games brought a dose of reality. Lendeborg on Thursday delivered his poorest scoring performance yet: a scoreless first half, finishing with 1-of 9 shooting from the field, including 1 of 6 from deep, in an 87-77 win over the New York Knicks. He played 28 minutes, scoring three points.
Two nights earlier, the Warriors were blown off the floor by the Memphis Grizzlies. The 106-85 loss was Golden State’s worst showing thus far. Lendeborg played 29 minutes, scoring 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 0 of 2 from distance. He had a game-high nine rebounds and a game-high four turnovers.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, in Las Vegas to witness each of the last two games, was able to witness the rookie look like a rookie. There were a few highlights – mostly on defense and passing – but enough lowlights to expose flaws to address.
Kerr surely loved what he saw. Lendeborg submitted the kind of work that puts a smile on the face of any coach because it creates a smooth runway to constructive criticism. There wasn’t much to critique when Lendeborg was the best offensive player on the floor, displaying a high hoops IQ and shooting as if in a dream. Dreamy shooting from the jump sometimes can get into the head of a rookie, convincing him that maybe the NBA isn’t so challenging.
Oh, it is.
The best thing for Lendeborg’s psyche was to have a couple games in which he makes little impact and can’t find his shot. Seeing shots go through the net is a source of energy, especially for young players. It breeds confidence that can seep into other elements in a positive way. It also can lead to overconfidence – which is the worst enemy of someone who has yet to play an official NBA game.
The early read on Lendeborg is that he is confident but not driven by ego. He listens to coaches, sees his teammates and values what they’re able to contribute. That was the case last season, too, as he led the University of Michigan to a national championship.
In his first three weeks as a Warrior, he has done nothing to alter that assessment.
Moreover, Lendeborg has been openly critical of himself. He knows his place in the league’s hierarchy – he doesn’t need reminders from new teammate Draymond Green – but also knows he belongs. Lendeborg has done enough encouraging things for the Warriors to shut him down in Vegas. There is no better way to send a rookie into a disciplined offseason program than knowing he struggled in front of live audiences.
This dip in performance gives Lendeborg plenty to study as Summer League moves into the playoffs. He wants, and knows he needs, to improve his conditioning before training camp begins in late September.
The incredible beginning, followed by a reality check, is the ideal way for a talented rookie to wade into the hardest part of his offseason.
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