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As the Golden State Warriors aim for a return to the playoffs, they hope Yaxel Lendeborg will be able to hit the ground running.
The Warriors selected the Michigan forward with the 11th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night, adding the national champion to their roster. Golden State is one of the oldest teams in the league, so having the chance to add a player in the top 11 could have a significant impact next season.
While Lendeborg is an older prospect, he was the best player on a national championship team as Michigan secured the title in April. The forward had the option to enter the draft last year but instead chose to transfer to Michigan, a decision that ultimately paid off.
Here’s a look at how Lendeborg fits with the Warriors.
2026 NBA DRAFT HQ: Live picks tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
Warriors roster with Yaxel Lendeborg
| Player | Position | Age |
| Jimmy Butler | F | 36 |
| LJ Cryer | G | 24 |
| Stephen Curry | G | 38 |
| Draymond Green | F | 36 |
| Al Horford | C | 40 |
| Yaxel Lendeborg | F | 23 |
| Malevy Leons | F | 26 |
| De'Anthony Melton | G | 28 |
| Moses Moody | G | 24 |
| Brandin Podziemski | G | 23 |
| Quinten Post* | C | 26 |
| Will Richard | G | 23 |
| Gui Santos | F | 24 |
| Pat Spencer* | G | 29 |
| Nate Williams | G | 27 |
| Omer Yurtseven | C | 28 |
*Restricted free agent*
By selecting Lendeborg, the Warriors are signaling a clear intention to compete next season with an aging roster. Stephen Curry turned 38 in March, while Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Al Horford are all among the team’s veteran core.
Lendeborg is one of the oldest players in the draft, as he will turn 24 before the season begins, which gives him a chance to step into a rotation role immediately. He should provide Golden State with depth off the bench as a forward who can shoot and defend, which is especially valuable alongside Stephen Curry.
Warriors starting lineup
Lendeborg likely won't start much for the Warriors this season, so here's what Golden State's starting lineup could look like:
- Stephen Curry
- Brandin Podziemski
- Moses Moody
- Jimmy Butler
- Draymond Green
Butler tore his ACL last January, so he will not be healthy when the season begins, while Moses Moody also suffered a serious foot injury that will delay his debut next season. However, this lineup is what a healthy Warriors starting lineup could look like, with Lendeborg, Al Horford, and De’Anthony Melton coming off the bench.
To begin the season, though, Lendeborg should get playing time while Butler and Moody recover from their respective injuries. He will also get a chance to learn from veterans like Green and Horford, who are on the back end of their respective careers.
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