Yaxel Lendeborg is still early in his first season with the Warriors, and he’s already learning what life looks like next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The rookie has been getting advice from both veterans, but he admitted that even with that access, he hasn’t fully shaken the nerves that come with being around established NBA stars.
"After last game I texted Steph and Draymond both... but I'm still kind of a little scared to talk to these guys sometimes because of who they are."
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2026
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is still getting used to all this 😂 https://t.co/pIwodCkAyM pic.twitter.com/TO7On2vPYc
Lendeborg said he recently texted Curry and Green after the first game to ask for guidance. He also opened up about the adjustment of realizing those conversations are suddenly part of his everyday life.
"Nah man I'm tired. I'm already tired of doing them. I gotta do it, you know? I can't be one of those arrogant rookies thinking they're better than they are."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 7, 2026
Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg on if he's enjoying his rookie duties 😅
(via @kenzofuku) pic.twitter.com/T2MBACQe4G
“At the last game, I texted Steph and Draymond both, you know, just to ask for some advice and some guidance after the first game. Especially for me, just getting over the fact that I'm with NBA players every single day and I have like access to talk to them whenever I want. That's something that I had to definitely get over with right away.
“I'm still kind of a little like scared to talk with these guys sometimes, tell who they are, but I mean, other than that, man, this is very fun, being able to communicate and share our connections with each other,” the Dominican player added.
That kind of early communication has already helped shape his approach, and it showed in Tuesday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Lendeborg put up 17 points and nine rebounds in Golden State’s 124-98 win, attacking the rim with more purpose and hitting 2-of-3 from deep.
He’s also been open about the rookie chores that come with the job. When asked about them recently, he didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Nah man I'm tired. I'm already tired of doing them.
I gotta do it, you know? I can't be one of those arrogant rookies thinking they're better than they are,” he said.
Green has also noticed what Lendeborg brings beyond scoring. The veteran has praised the rookie’s court vision and compared one part of his game to Jimmy Butler. At the same time, he has pushed Lendeborg to be more aggressive when his scoring chances are there.
In Other News...
Warriors Just Sent A Big Opening Night Lineup Message
Steve Kerr is already hinting at how the Warriors might look when the games start to count, and Tuesdays second preseason game offered another clue. Veteran center Al Horford is set to come off the bench, with Gui Santos sliding into the starting lineup as Golden State leans into a smaller look while it sorts out roles and minutes.
Horfords reserve status appears tied to workload management, but the bigger question still hanging over the roster is Kristaps Porzingis. He remains out indefinitely, and his uncertain timeline leaves real doubt about whether he can be available for the season opener against the Lakers, which could push Golden State toward a small-ball answer right out of the gate. [Read more 🡒]
Stephen Curry Shares Why Don Nelson Still Means So Much To Warriors
The Warriors opened their preseason schedule against the Lakers at Chase Center with more than just a new look on the court. Golden State also unveiled a jersey patch honoring the late Don Nelson, the former coach who died in August, turning the night into a small but meaningful tribute to one of the most influential figures in franchise history.
Before tipoff, Stephen Curry reflected on what Nelson meant to the organization and the league, a reminder that the Warriors present-day success still carries echoes of earlier eras. Nelsons fingerprints were felt long before Curry became a superstar, but his connection to the current core gives the tribute extra weight, especially on a night when the team was back on the floor to begin another season. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Face A Telling Brandin Podziemski Decision Amid Bigger Questions
The Warriors have more than one roster matter hanging in the balance, but Brandin Podziemski has become a telling one. Marc Stein reported that Golden State is working toward a contract agreement with the young guard, a move that would keep a promising piece in place as the franchise keeps trying to sort out a roster that still feels uneven around its core.
It is a familiar kind of Warriors crossroads: protect the future while managing the present. With concerns already lingering around the health of Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis, the urgency goes beyond one negotiation, even if Podziemski's situation may resolve soon. How Golden State handles that conversation will say plenty about where the front office thinks this team is headed. [Read more 🡒]