Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg wasted no time making headlines after his NBA debut on Wednesday, but it wasn’t just his performance on the court that got people talking.
The rookie sparked a debate after accusing Luka Doncic of foul-baiting and constantly complaining to referees. Lendeborg expressed frustration with what he witnessed, saying he had “lost respect” after watching Doncic repeatedly“whining” to officials.
His comments clearly ruffled a few feathers, even drawing the ire of former NBA player and broadcaster Eddie Johnson. On Thursday on X, Johnson unloaded on the rookie for criticizing established stars after playing just one professional game.
“Rooks are not allowed to speak, especially one that says he never watched the NBA growing up,” Johnson wrote on X.
“Did Draymond take this kid in a room and pull a Phil Jackson with some incense and hallucinatory babble? Rookie breaking down Luka like he been around for years! Be quiet and be a rookie and learn. This rant after one game is unreal!”
While Eddie Johnson’s old school expectations may have worked in his era, the NBA has changed a lot since then. Today’s players grow up in a different media world, and Lendeborg is no exception.
Lendeborg has already shown that he is funny, blunt and unafraid to speak his mind. But at the same time, he proved he can play. Being trusted as a starter on a fading Warriors dynasty speaks volumes about his potential.
In his first assignment guarding Doncic, a six-time All-Star and perennial MVP candidate, Lendeborg held his own defensively. The Lakers guard shot just 1 of 6 (16.7%) when guarded by the former Michigan standout.
Although the Warriors fell 127-105, the rookie showed flashes of his potential. He finished with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes in his NBA debut.
Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Loves What Yaxel Lendeborg Brings to the Table
Warriors coach Steve Kerr has already embraced Yaxel Lendeborg’s outspoken personality. Ever since being drafted, Lendeborg has shown he’s willing to do whatever it takes to learn and earn his spot, and it’s been going well so far. Fans love that kind of attitude.
Earlier in the preseason, Kerr also praised Lendeborg’s personality:
“You can also see his youth with his comments in the media,” Kerr said, per Anthony Slater. “Our fans are going to love listening to him, and he’s going to say some stuff that he may have to retract and hold back. But I love it. I love him. I love guys like that. We always encourage everyone to be themselves, and he’s got a really great personality.”
It’s great when you have the support of your coach and teammates to do and say what you want. While Lendeborg’s comments following the season opener may have raised a few eyebrows, they were refreshing nonetheless.
Golden State clearly has big hopes for the rookie, who has shown an NBA readiness that not many expected so soon. At 24, he doesn’t look out of place, and his all-around game is already operating at a high level. So far, he is looking like a lottery-level talent, and the Warriors may just have a core or franchise-level forward on their hands, something that certainly helps a rebuild along.
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