Yaxel Lendeborg has given the Warriors plenty to like through four summer league games, even if one part of his game hasn’t quite matched the hype yet.
The 6-foot-9 forward has flashed real defensive upside with a few weak-side blocks, and he added three steals in Sunday’s blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Still, some fans have noticed the inconsistency on that end, especially when it comes to effort and focus.
That concern may end up being temporary. Lendeborg has pointed to getting his body right before training camp in October as the fix.
"I'm trying to change my sleep. I'm trying to eat better.
It's not working, man. Maybe I just took too long of a break.
I've never felt this winded in my life," Lendeborg recently said." But once I get back in shape, I know I'll be good."
That lines up with the bigger picture for Golden State. If Lendeborg gets into better condition and keeps learning the Warriors’ defensive system - with help from former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green - there’s a clear path for him to become not just serviceable, but a real plus on that side of the floor.
And even with the defensive questions, the early returns have been exactly what the Warriors wanted offensively. Lendeborg has been outstanding there, shooting 13-of-21 from 3-point range, good for 61.9%, while averaging 4.5 assists per game and showing off his handling and passing.
For a Warriors team that finished 19th in offensive rating last season and needs help around Stephen Curry, that’s the more encouraging problem to have. Golden State would much rather see Lendeborg shine on offense and clean up the defense later.
With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody expected to miss the first half of next season, Lendeborg has a real opening in front of him. He could be in line for 25 minutes a night and even a starting role for Steve Kerr and the Warriors from opening night.
In Other News...
Warriors May Have Found A Young Big Worth Watching Closely
Lachlan Olbrich has turned up in a place where a young big can still make a case for himself, even if the path is longer than a standard summer-league audition. The 22-year-old center is running with the Warriors after being released by Chicago this offseason, and his performance has been steady enough to keep him in the conversation. Through five summer-league appearances, he has averaged 12.8 points per game, which is the kind of production that at least gets a front office looking twice.
For Golden State, the interest is easy to understand. The Warriors are always searching for useful size, and Olbrich fits the profile of a player who could use more reps and a clearer developmental lane. He is viewed as a strong candidate to land with Santa Cruz for further work, where the next step would be less about headlines and more about proving he can become part of the organizations long-term frontcourt picture. [Read more 🡒]
LeBron Rumor Just Put A Surprising New Team In Play
LeBron James is expected to announce his next NBA team soon, and the rumor mill has already pushed a few unexpected names into the conversation. One of the more surprising possibilities being discussed is Indiana, where the financial angle has become part of the intrigue because the Pacers would have to navigate a very tight cap situation to make a veteran-minimum deal work.
For Warriors fans, the more relevant part is the broader picture around where James could land if he does move on. There has been no credible reporting tying him to Indiana, and no official move connecting him there, but the speculation has only added to the sense that this decision could still ripple across the league, including any team watching from the Bay and wondering whether Steph Curry might end up in the mix of possibilities. [Read more 🡒]