Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has admitted to feeling intimidated when reaching out to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for advice. After his first NBA game, Lendeborg sent texts to both veterans but confessed he was still “kind of a little scared to talk to these guys sometimes because of who they are.”
The Dominican forward spoke openly about his rookie experience with the Warriors, explaining the challenge of adjusting to playing alongside NBA stars every day. “Especially for me, just getting over the fact that I’m with NBA players every single day and I have like access to talk to them whenever I want,” he said. “That’s something that I had to definitely get over with right away.”
Despite his hesitation, Lendeborg described the process of communicating with Curry and Green as “very fun” and said they have already offered him guidance as he settles into the team. That support appeared to have an immediate impact on the court, as Lendeborg scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds during Golden State’s 124-98 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. He showed more aggression attacking the basket and made two out of three three-point attempts.
Lendeborg also gave an honest assessment of his rookie responsibilities, admitting to some fatigue but acknowledging the need to embrace his role. “Nah man I’m tired. I’m already tired of doing them. I gotta do it, you know? I can’t be one of those arrogant rookies thinking they’re better than they are,” he said.
Draymond Green has praised Lendeborg’s court vision, even comparing part of his game to Jimmy Butler. However, Green has encouraged the young forward to be more assertive when scoring chances come his way. The veteran’s input, along with Curry’s, is shaping Lendeborg’s early development as he navigates the transition from college to the NBA.
The rookie’s candid remarks highlight the adjustment period many young players face when joining established teams with star players. Lendeborg’s willingness to reach out for advice, despite initial nerves, suggests he is eager to learn and grow within the Warriors’ system. The latest preseason performance and ongoing mentorship from Curry and Green provide a foundation for him to build on as the regular season approaches.
According to Yahoo Sports.