Warriors' Draymond Green names Yaxel Lendeborg Steph Curry's successor in Golden State originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Golden State Warriors are going to be an interesting team to watch this season. One player in particular is Yaxel Lendeborg, who is coming off a national championship at the college level last season.
Golden State selected him 11th overall this past summer. However, Lendeborg wasn't necessarily the team's first choice on its draft board.
“On their final draft board in June, the Warriors -- who owned the No. 11 pick -- had Lendeborg and Arizona guard Brayden Burries ranked neck-and-neck, behind the consensus group of prospects up top. If Burries was there, team sources have indicated they would've drafted the 20-year-old combo guard for his upside. He had fans all over the organization,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote.
With injuries already affecting the team this season, Lendeborg has had to step into a bigger role than he expected. For the rookie, being so involved this early in his career has been a surprise.
“Well, it's very shocking to hear it now. But I mean, I get the point. The two other guys are hurt. Jimmy was one of the main scorers on this team. So, going to have to try to fill in his role until he gets back. And I've been in positions where I've had to score the ball a lot, I guess, or an extra amount that I would like. I feel like I'll be able to step into that role for sure. Just got to continue to work at it, get the confidence to do that. But I mean, I feel like everything's going to be trending up the right way," Lendeborg said.
Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green recently declared that Lendeborg could become the next face of the franchise after Steph Curry retires.
“Here's what I will say... The Golden State Warriors has found the next face of the franchise,” Green said.
The four-time NBA champion doesn't make a statement like that without a reason. Green clearly sees something special in Lendeborg. While it is still early in the rookie's career, the potential is there for him to become a major contributor once he adjusts to the NBA.
Already receiving this kind of endorsement from Green speaks to the impression Lendeborg has made as both a player and a person. With the season beginning Wednesday, the rookie will have an opportunity to start living up to the expectations that come with such high praise.
More NBA news:
Warriors' Steph Curry gets good injury update, Brandin Podziemski gets bad news for Lakers opener
ESPN's Shams Charania reveals major 76ers plan for LeBron James, Joel Embiid to start season
Knicks' Jalen Brunson sends strong message to Karl-Anthony Towns about contract extension
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns gives final stance on New York future after contract talks stall