SAN FRANCISCO ― If there’s one thing the Golden State Warriors learned on Friday, it’s that their No. 11 draft pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, will be fine in the NBA.
Although it may just only be summer league, the California Classic provided a sample of how the Warriors rookie’s game will translate to the big leagues.
Advertisement
Lendeborg had a tremendous debut performance in the California Classic game against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 19 points in 22 minutes July 3 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
What’s even more impressive? He didn’t miss. Insert that Snoop Dogg clip.
Lendeborg carved up the Lakers from beginning to end, on 6-for-6 shooting, including 4-for-4 from 3-point distance.
“I thought that Yax will play with a really high level of force and physicality, like that was a point emphasis for us all week, just force and physicality and everything that we do,” Warriors coach Khalid Robinson told reporters. “He showed a little bit of everything in his game, obviously shot the ball well, started the game. He had some really good passes, play-making defensively.”
Lendeborg is physically-able. He showcased an ability to knock down the long ball. And he was everywhere on the floor, doing everything out there, adding five rebounds, a steal and a block.
Advertisement
What often goes overlooked is Lendeborg’s play-making ability.
“Yeah, I’d say definitely my passing is a little underrated. I feel like I’ve always had a good assist-to-turnover ratio,” the Warriors rookie told USA TODAY Sports. “Today doesn’t really do it much justice, but I mean, I’ve definitely done a good job.”
He added: “When I first started playing basketball, I was strictly a passionate rebounder. So those have always been kind of my strength, but I turned more into a scorer these last two, three years. So, I mean, everything’s been changing, but I try to be as versatile as possible.”
The young fella is honest about his game. It wasn’t as perfect as the box score entails. But it’s his humility that allows his game to develop. He wants it.
Advertisement
“I gave up a lot of rebounds today. I need to go back and watch the film. I wasn’t physical enough. I mean, I got to get used to physicality here, for sure. So, I mean, I feel like I could have had at least four to five more rebounds today.”
As Lendeborg exited the court at Chase Center, he was swarmed by fans who were cheering for him all game long. They waited near the exit tunnels after the game to greet, congratulate and praise the rookie’s debut performance. It’s a feeling that resonates with Lendeborg deeply as he gets acclimated to the Bay Area.
“It was lovely. I really appreciated them,” Lendeborg told USA TODAY Sports. “The entire game I heard people scream my name and just saying, like, ‘good job’, and, like, ‘we’re happy to have you.’ So, I tried to try to get everybody, at least acknowledge everybody. It was a little tough to, but I could definitely see how this crowd has been so good over the years. Like, these guys really, really appreciate the Warriors basketball, and I really appreciate them already.”
He added: “Like, it was the first game, but it definitely felt like I belong, like these guys really love me. So I’m definitely excited for (the) rest of the season. I’m gonna try to get as many kids or as many fans as I can, ’til security gets me out every time.”
Advertisement
Lendeborg and the Warriors will be in action again on Sunday, July 5 when the California Classic continues at Chase Center in San Francisco.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg does it all in perfect NBA summer league debut
