Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is ecstatic after the team's 11th-overall pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, has exceeded expectations in his first eight NBA games. The 24-year-old wing is averaging 21.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, including a 37-point breakout performance against the LA Clippers. Lacob stated he was '100% sold' on Lendeborg during the draft, believing the veteran prospect was ready to contribute immediately compared to younger, unproven rookies.
The Warriors have won five straight games following an 0-3 start, with Lendeborg providing a valuable, low-cost asset on a rookie deal. This successful draft pick marks a turnaround for the franchise, which has struggled with recent high lottery selections like James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga. Lacob acknowledged past drafting mistakes but emphasized that the draft is inherently difficult, while celebrating Lendeborg as a significant early success.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing