Golden State Warriors rookies Yaxel Lendeborg and Lajae Jones made their first public appearance in the Bay Area, attending a Golden State Valkyries game at Chase Center. The 2026 draftees were introduced on the videoboard during the game, receiving a warm welcome from the home crowd.
The appearance gave fans an initial look at the two newest members of the organization. Lendeborg, selected in the first round, arrives with a strong collegiate resume from Michigan. As the Big Ten Player of the Year and an NCAA champion, his profile is that of a versatile two-way forward. His college averages of 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists showcase a well-rounded game. For the Warriors, his 7-foot-3 wingspan is a significant asset, offering the potential for high-level paint protection and the ability to switch effectively onto smaller players in pick-and-roll coverage.
Lajae Jones, the No. 54 pick out of Florida State, brings a different but equally valuable skill set. As a rangy wing with a reputation for shot-making, Jones fits the mold of a modern NBA floor-spacer. He averaged 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Seminoles and has reportedly expressed excitement about fitting into Golden State’s up-tempo offense. In a system built around Stephen Curry’s immense player gravity, the ability of role players to consistently knock down open shots is non-negotiable. Jones will be expected to fill that role.
The setting was fitting, as the rookies watched the WNBA’s Valkyries secure a 78-75 win over the Atlanta Dream in the same arena they will soon call home. But the night of observation is over. The focus now shifts directly to on-court action and professional evaluation. Both Lendeborg and Jones are scheduled to participate in the upcoming California Classic and the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. These games represent their first real test against professional-level competition and the first opportunity to prove their draft-day value as they begin competing for a role.
