The early returns on Yaxel Lendeborg have already turned into a headache for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Golden State looks thrilled with what it got in the first three summer league games, while the Thunder are staring at the kind of missed opportunity that can sting fast after draft night. Oklahoma City had been linked to moving up in the lottery, but when the draft arrived, nothing changed. The team stayed put and ended up with Aday Mara.
That decision is starting to look a lot less comfortable.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Warriors were taking calls on the 11th pick while on the clock, and they eventually used it on Lendeborg even though there was apparently some disagreement in the war room. The Thunder, meanwhile, settled on Mara after being connected to him in the buildup to the draft, especially after losing to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
The difference between the two prospects has grown quickly. Lendeborg has been one of the standout performers in summer league so far, putting up 17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in under 25 minutes a night while shooting 60% from the field and 69.2% from 3-point range. Mara’s start has been far quieter: 7.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.7 blocks while shooting 40% from the floor as a 7'3" big.
For Golden State, that kind of production is a clear win on its own. It also comes with a second layer of value, because it kept a rising prospect away from a Thunder roster that already has plenty of talent.
Oklahoma City took Mara as a fourth big behind Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and 2025 first-round pick Thomas Sorber. Even if the 21-year-old finds his footing, it’s difficult to picture him playing major minutes as a rookie.
Lendeborg, on the other hand, could have a path to a real role, especially if injury issues continue around star forward Jalen Williams. It’s still early, but the first few games have already made this look like a major gain for the Warriors - and a frustrating near-miss for the Thunder.
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