Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg received direct feedback from head coach Steve Kerr after his first NBA preseason action. The 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft started against the LA Clippers on October 4, posting four points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a block in a 104-101 loss. Kerr praised the forward's effort but demanded a more aggressive mindset, especially after a costly turnover.
Steve Kerr's postgame comments were clear. "Yaxel was good," Kerr said. "[But] we need him to be more aggressive." He pointed to a specific play that defined his critique. Early in the second half, Lendeborg had the ball under the basket but passed it away, resulting in a turnover. The Clippers' Keaton Wagler hit a transition three-pointer off the mistake.
"That's gotta be a layup," Kerr stated bluntly. The 24-year-old from Michigan was drafted to contribute immediately, especially with players like Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody sidelined. Kerr expects him to compete for significant minutes right away. Lendeborg's defensive versatility and fit in the Warriors' 5-out offense are seen as major assets, but the coaching staff wants him to attack the rim without hesitation.
Veteran leader Stephen Curry also addressed the rookie's adjustment. He talked about the difficult balance for a young player expected to make an instant impact. "The balance for a young guy who's expected to have an impact is to walk that fine line of aggressiveness, but being okay knowing you're gonna make mistakes," Curry explained.
He emphasized that passivity is not an option. "But we don't want anything passive. I think he's been answering that call early." Curry highlighted positive moments from the game, like Lendeborg taking an open shot and grabbing offensive rebounds. He wants the rookie to apply constant pressure on both ends of the floor and learn to play through errors.
The Warriors' preseason schedule has been a mixed bag. Following the 104-101 loss to the Clippers where Lendeborg debuted, they beat the Los Angeles Lakers 124-98 on October 6. Their most recent preseason outing was a 123-118 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on October 7. The team's focus is squarely on tuning up for the regular season and integrating new pieces like Lendeborg.
With veterans like Curry and Draymond Green still leading, the margin for error is small. The franchise is in a win-now mode, aiming to get Stephen Curry another championship shot. Every preseason minute is critical for evaluating rotation players. Lendeborg's development is a key part of that process, and the early messages from Kerr and Curry set a clear expectation.
The Warriors' next test is a home preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on October 10. It presents another chance for Yaxel Lendeborg to respond to his coaches' feedback and show increased aggression. The team will then finalize its roster and schemes before the regular season tip-off.
Fans can track the team's preparation and view the full preseason slate on our schedule page. The integration of rookies and the health of the roster will be the dominant storylines as opening night approaches. For Lendeborg, the instruction is simple: be ready to score when the opportunity is there.
