The Golden State Warriors made waves during Tuesday’s NBA Draft by selecting Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick. While the selection of a versatile wing from a major program is standard draft-day business, the post-selection press conference provided a moment of refreshing and humorous honesty. Shortly after putting on the Golden State cap, Lendeborg admitted that joining the Warriors is a major shift for him, given his childhood allegiance to one of the franchise's greatest rivals.
Speaking to reporters at the podium, Yaxel Lendeborg was candid about his history as an NBA fan. Growing up during the height of the legendary rivalry between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lendeborg found himself on the opposite side of the fence. "I'm a big Kyrie guy," Lendeborg admitted. "So I used to hate Steph Curry."
A Childhood Defined by the Warriors-Cavaliers Rivalry
To understand the context of Lendeborg’s admission, one only has to look back a decade. Between 2015 and 2018, the NBA landscape was dominated by the recurring Finals matchups between Stephen Curry’s Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. For a young basketball player developing his own game, those battles were formative.
Lendeborg, who excelled at Michigan before entering the draft, clearly modeled parts of his perspective on the flashy, high-scoring playstyle of Irving. Kyrie Irving, now a star for the Dallas Mavericks, was the primary antagonist to the Golden State dynasty during his time in Cleveland, most notably hitting the series-winning shot in the 2016 NBA Finals. For a self-proclaimed "Kyrie guy," rooting against the Warriors was simply part of the job description.
The irony of being drafted by the very team he once rooted against was not lost on the 11th overall pick. However, the transition from fan to professional athlete often requires putting aside childhood biases in favor of world-class teammates. Lendeborg will now have the opportunity to learn directly from the player who was once the focus of his sports-related "hate."
The Impact of Yaxel Lendeborg on the Warriors Roster
Beyond the viral quotes and the lighthearted admission of his past fandom, the Golden State Warriors believe they have found a significant piece for their future. At the 11th pick, the organization prioritized length, athleticism, and the ability to play multiple positions—traits that Yaxel Lendeborg showcased consistently during his tenure at Michigan.
The Warriors’ front office has been vocal about the need to surround their veteran core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green with younger, energetic talent that can contribute immediately. Lendeborg’s profile as a wing who can defend multiple positions and provide spacing on the floor makes him a natural fit for Steve Kerr’s system. While he may have spent his teenage years cheering for Irving’s crossovers, he will now be tasked with setting screens and finding open lanes created by Curry’s gravity.
The selection marks a continued effort by the Warriors to bridge the gap between their championship era and the next generation of talent. By bringing in a player with the pedigree of a top-tier collegiate program like Michigan, the team is betting on Lendeborg’s maturity and readiness to handle the pressure of a high-stakes environment.
From Rivalry to Teammates: A New Chapter in San Francisco
Draft night is often a whirlwind of emotions, and for Yaxel Lendeborg, those emotions included a trip down memory lane. The honesty displayed at the podium suggests a level of confidence and self-awareness that often translates well to the professional level. It is not uncommon for modern NBA players to have grown up as fans of the legends they eventually play with or against.
The Warriors-Cavaliers rivalry remains one of the most significant eras in modern basketball history. It produced some of the highest-rated television broadcasts and most memorable moments in the sport. For a rookie like Lendeborg to enter the league with that history as his backdrop adds a layer of narrative intrigue to his debut season.
As the Warriors prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will shift from draft-day quotes to on-court chemistry. Stephen Curry has a well-documented history of welcoming young players and helping them integrate into the Warriors' unique culture. Whether Lendeborg’s past as a "Kyrie guy" leads to some lighthearted locker room ribbing remains to be seen, but his commitment to his new team is clear.
With the 11th pick secured, the Warriors have addressed a key need on their wing. For Yaxel Lendeborg, the journey from a young fan "hating" the Warriors to a key piece of their future is officially underway. The NBA Draft always provides surprises, but few are as humanizing as a new rookie admitting he once rooted for the opposition.
Sources & Original Reporting
