Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is putting in extra work with NBA trainer Packie Turner before his first training camp. The 23-year-old forward, selected 11th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, is aiming to make an immediate impact after a stellar Summer League performance. This offseason grind follows a difficult finish for the Warriors, who lost their final three games of the 2025-26 season, including a 115-110 defeat to the LA Clippers on April 13.
Lendeborg is training with Packie Turner of Unlimited Potential Basketball in the Bay Area. Turner has a strong reputation, having worked with current NBA players like Jalen Williams, Cody Williams, and Christian Braun. The sessions focus on refining Lendeborg's skills before he joins his new teammates. Golden State's training camp is scheduled to begin on September 29 in Oahu, Hawaii, so the clock is ticking.
This dedicated approach is nothing new for the rookie. He was busy right after being drafted, suiting up for Summer League shortly after winning an NCAA title with Michigan. In Las Vegas, Lendeborg didn't just participate. He dominated, earning Summer League MVP honors and leading the Warriors to their first Summer League championship since 2013. That kind of winning mentality is exactly what the front office hoped for when they called his name.
The Warriors need an infusion of energy and talent. Their recent form was a struggle, with the team posting a 1-4 record over its last five games. The season ended with consecutive losses to the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and LA Clippers. Adding a player who understands how to perform under pressure and win titles, even at the Summer League level, is a positive step.
Lendeborg brings a specific profile. As a forward, he can provide versatility on both ends of the floor. His work with a trainer like Turner, who emphasizes player development, should help him adapt to the NBA's speed and physicality faster. The Warriors' roster is looking for reliable contributors, and a prepared rookie could carve out a role sooner rather than later.
The immediate next step is training camp in Hawaii. It will be Lendeborg's first official work with the full Golden State roster and coaching staff. How he integrates during those practices will set the tone for his preseason and potentially his early-season minutes. The competition for rotation spots will be fierce, but his offseason preparation gives him a solid foundation.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Warriors are focused on bouncing back. The 2025-26 season finale, a 115-110 loss to the Clippers, is now in the past. The organization is turning the page, and young players like Lendeborg represent a key part of the future. Fans can track his progress and the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page. His journey from Summer League MVP to NBA contributor is officially underway, and it starts with this hard work in the gym.
