Much pressure has been put on the Warriors to steady the ship amongst turbulent waves over the last few seasons. Missed playoff berths and underwhelming postseasons have dialed up the Warriors’ desperation to keep competitive basketball alive.
Through just a few Summer League games, incoming rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is showing he will have a heavy hand in keeping the ship afloat.
Yaxel Lendeborg Is Making a Statement in Summer League
Lendeborg’s first two games exemplified the exact type of player the Warriors need. His ability to score in traffic, knock down the three-pointer, and be a focal point defensively fits what the Warriors have lacked.
In his first game of the California Classic, he went a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc en route to a 19-point outing. Against San Antonio in the following game, he added 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
Lendeborg’s defensive instincts stand out most, with his ability to read and react being critical. One of his blocks initiated a fast break between him and Will Richard, allowing Lendeborg to score in transition. He has fully utilized his lengthy wingspan by turning away opponents’ shot attempts and making life difficult for them.
The Warriors have sorely lacked someone who can not only shoot, but finish through contact. He has the size and marksmanship of someone they have longed for since the team’s last championship.
While many critics were skeptical of his high draft selection due to his age, he is showing that experience and IQ are advantageous in adapting quickly to NBA action.
Taking a Three-Point Leap
Last season, the Warriors ranked 20th in the NBA in three-point percentage. While the two Summer League games are a small sample size, Lendeborg believes he can maintain solid efficiency from distance. On a team in great need of shooters, he could be a huge asset in that department.
Lendeborg deserves plenty of runway this season. While they’re without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, Steve Kerr has no choice but to play him.
For Lendeborg, the more reps he gets from shooting, the quicker his confidence rises.
“Every year, my three-point attempts have gone up tremendously,” he said. “This year it’s taken a big big jump…I never really had the confidence to shoot it until last year at Michigan, and now here, I feel a lot more confident shooting the ball.”
Lendeborg will be playing alongside the greatest shooter in NBA history; he isn’t required to be the offensive engine, but he can ease Stephen Curry’s load. Lendeborg knows he doesn’t need to be Curry. As long as he is a respectable shooter, he will open up the floor for teammates and make defenses pay.
“I definitely think I can probably be in the 37 (percent) plus range from three if I continue shooting it with confidence,” he said.
Off the court, Lendeborg is already integrating with his new teammates. He has talked most with Moses Moody, but has also heard from Brandin Podziemski and fellow Dominican Al Horford.
Yaxel Lendeborg Is Leaving Promising Impressions
Summer League is where expectations are set and excitement brews. Teams and fans get a glimpse into how players could fit into their squad, gaining more clarity on their future.
The Warriors have yet to see what Lendeborg looks like playing with the main rotation guys, but if his performances are anything like he has displayed in Summer League, he will give Dub Nation a reason to be hopeful.
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