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Picked one slot after the Bucks took Brayden Burries, Yaxel Lendeborg has quickly become a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. His early production and the way he’s helped lift the Warriors have shifted expectations around both teams.
Two different rookie stories
The Bucks used the 10th overall pick on Brayden Burries, and he is just beginning to see starter minutes as Milwaukee balances present needs with a rebuild. One selection later the Warriors added Yaxel Lendeborg, whose arrival in Golden State has been immediate and impactful.
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The contrast is stark: Burries represents a long-term piece for the Bucks, while Lendeborg has jumped into a meaningful role on a playoff-contending roster.
Numbers that demand attention
Through eight games, Lendeborg has posted standout figures for a rookie. His production has been efficient and well-rounded, forcing observers to take notice.
- 21.5 points per game
- 7.0 rebounds per game
- 3.9 assists per game
He’s also shooting roughly 50% from the field and about 40% from deep, marks that place his start among the better early-career stretches in recent seasons.
Fueling a surprising Golden State run
Preseason expectations for the Warriors were muted, given the core’s advanced age and ongoing availability issues for Stephen Curry. A 0-3 start did little to change that outlook.
Since then, Golden State has strung together a five-game winning streak with Lendeborg playing a central role. His breakout came in a 37-point outing against the Clippers on Nov. 1, a performance that helped redefine the Warriors’ early season trajectory.
What he brings on the court
Lendeborg entered the draft known for reliable defense, solid three-point shooting and rebounding from the wing. Those instincts have translated smoothly to the NBA.
More notable, however, is his growth as a playmaker and scorer. He’s shown confidence attacking closeouts, finishing through contact, and creating his own shot — including pull-up and stepback threes that stretch defenses.
Age concerns may have been overstated
One pre-draft critique was Lendeborg’s age. At about 24 years old, he’s older than many peers — roughly three years older than Burries — which made some teams wary of his long-term upside.
But the rapid improvement he’s shown, building on clear year-over-year growth in college, suggests that his development curve still has room. Lendeborg’s later start in organized basketball has been cited as a factor behind his unexpected surge this season.
