Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says Steve Kerr already told him he might start next season.
The Golden State Warriors could begin the upcoming season with a rookie in their starting lineup.
According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, No. 11 overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg has already been told by head coach Steve Kerr that he could compete for a starting role.
"I asked him about his early conversations with Steve Kerr, and he mentioned, 'Hey, you know, Steve has a history of not playing rookies,' but basically said he's different, and Steve Kerr has already told him he might start," Slater reported on NBA Today.
The potential opportunity follows an impressive summer from Lendeborg, who immediately demonstrated the versatile skill set that made him one of the most NBA-ready prospects in his draft class.
Lendeborg named Summer League MVP
The 23-year-old averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across six Las Vegas Summer League appearances, helping Golden State capture the championship.
His performances earned him Summer League MVP honors and a place on the All-Summer League First Team.
Lendeborg finished the championship game against the Memphis Grizzlies with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. He scored nine points in the fourth quarter, including seven consecutive points during Golden State's comeback victory.
The 2.06-meter forward displayed the ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, facilitate, and stretch the floor – qualities that could allow him to fit alongside Golden State's veteran core without requiring a high-usage offensive role.
Rookie coming off championship season at Michigan
Before entering the NBA, Lendeborg spent his final college season at Michigan after previously playing for UAB and Arizona Western College.
He averaged a team-high 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 40 appearances for the Wolverines. Lendeborg shot 51.5% from the field, 37.2% from three-point range, and 82.4% from the free-throw line.
He helped Michigan win the 2026 NCAA championship and was named Big Ten Player of the Year after scoring in double figures 31 times and recording seven double-doubles.
Lendeborg also earned consecutive AAC Defensive Player of the Year awards during his time at UAB, further highlighting the defensive versatility that could earn him immediate minutes under Kerr.
Although Golden State's lineup will ultimately depend on how the remainder of the offseason and training camp unfold, Lendeborg's early conversations with Kerr suggest the rookie will receive a genuine opportunity to secure a major role.
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