Show notes
The Warriors selected Yaxel Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and afterward Mike Dunleavy Jr. met with reporters to explain exactly why Golden State made the pick...👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players.🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version)💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version)📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.comYOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE (has entire transcript):https://youtu.be/S5vF9NpzUzoTHIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE:[n/a]👇Before the full media session, I break down my three biggest takeaways:• Why Dunleavy believes Yaxel is "in a category by himself"• The moment the Warriors realized Yaxel was becoming their guy• The off-court personality traits that may make him a perfect fit alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the Warriors cultureDunleavy also discusses trade calls while on the clock, Brayden Burries, Yaxel's versatility, immediate playing opportunities because of injuries, his relationship with Joe Lacob during the Draft process, Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis updates, and why the Warriors believe Yaxel's unconventional path actually increases his upside.(00:00) Intro and top takeaways(00:38) Why Yaxel is in a category by himself(02:38) The maturity leap that impressed the Warriors(03:56) Yaxel's personality and Warriors culture fit(05:31) Mike Dunleavy opens post-Draft press conference(06:17) Addressing Yaxel's age concerns(06:40) Rookie-year expectations and opportunity(07:09) Why the Warriors chose Yaxel at No. 11(07:50) Brayden Burries and Draft board discussion(09:35) What position will Yaxel play?(10:05) Trade calls while on the clock(10:54) Why Yaxel fits the Warriors system(11:42) What needs does Yaxel fill?(12:24) Personality and locker room fit(13:04) National championship experience(13:53) Workout impressions and due diligence(14:26) Steph Curry and Draymond Green involvement(15:02) Positive presence and leadership qualities(15:39) Veteran trade market discussion(16:11) Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis updates(16:41) Calling Yaxel on Draft night(17:11) NBA readiness discussion(18:13) Three-point shooting projection(18:45) Basketball age versus physical age(19:20) Joe Lacob's Draft-night excitement(20:23) The Combine moment that changed everything(21:26) Historic production and evaluation(22:19) Attempts to acquire another first-round pickIf you've been following our Warriors Draft coverage, this interview gives the clearest picture yet of how Mike Dunleavy and the front office view Yaxel Lendeborg and why they believe he can contribute immediately while still possessing long-term upside.Golden State Warriors, Yaxel Lendeborg, Mike Dunleavy Jr, Warriors Draft, NBA Draft 2026, Warriors Podcast, Warriors Draft Analysis, Yaxel Warriors, Yaxel Lendeborg Interview, Warriors No 11 Pick, NBA Draft Reaction, Joe Lacob, Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Steve Kerr, Brayden Burries, NBA Lottery Pick, Michigan Basketball, NBA Prospect, Warriors Front Office, Warriors Roster, Warriors Free Agency, Kristaps Porzingis, Warriors News, Dub Nation, Let's Go Warriors, Warriors Draft Coverage, Warriors Future, NBA Draft Breakdown, NBA Draft Podcast, Summer League, Warriors Rookie, DubNation.
