Add The California Post on Google The Golden State Warriors drafted Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick out of Michigan, but the first round of Tuesday’s NBA draft featured a high-stakes moment for the organization.
Owner Joe Lacob and General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. appeared to have an intense exchange seconds before the selection was made.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. had a curious moment before selecting the No. 11 overall pick at the NBA Draft. AP The Warriors reportedly fielded offers for the No. 11 pick before selecting Lendeborg, a small forward. The team ultimately decided to stick with their selection, but the public couldn’t help but decipher a conversation captured on video between Lacob and Dunleavy prior to the pick.
The toss up for the Warriors was reportedly between Arizona guard Brayden Burries and Lendeborg. The former was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10 overall.
With no trades materializing for Golden State, it appeared the front office went with Lendeborg.
Regardless of the speculation, Lendeborg brings size and defensive versatility to the wing for Golden State. The 23-year-old is an older rookie, which leads many to believe he can make an impact with the Warriors early in his tenure.
The Warriors selected Michigan small forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick. AP Photo/Adam Hunger The core of players in Golden State, consisting of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, are no longer spring chickens. Lendeborg infuses youth into the Warriors’ aging roster.
The Michigan product was projected as a late first-round or early second-round player in last year’s NBA Draft. The small forward opted to return to college and emerged as the No. 11 pick after his junior year at Michigan.
