Warriors Nearly Passed on ‘Massive’ Rookie in NBA Draft

The Golden State Warriors nearly passed on rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg in the draft, according to reporting cited by Sean Deveney. Golden State held the No. 11 pick and had Arizona guard Brayden Burries rated neck-and-neck with Lendeborg. Team sources indicated the Warriors would have selected Burries for his upside had he not been taken by the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10.

With Burries off the board, the Warriors selected Lendeborg, a 23-year-old NCAA champion from Michigan. Teammate Jimmy Butler praised Lendeborg's size and shooting ability, while head coach Steve Kerr highlighted his versatility and offensive passing. Golden State views Lendeborg as an immediate contributor capable of aiding a roster dealing with multiple injuries.