Mike Dunleavy Jr. gives insight into Warriors NBA draft plans ahead of pivotal No. 11 pick

The Warriors may not know who will be available when they’re on the clock next week, but general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. made one thing clear Wednesday: Golden State believes it is in a strong position to add an impact player with the No. 11 overall pick.

Speaking during his annual pre-draft media availability, Dunleavy repeatedly praised the depth of the 2026 NBA Draft and expressed confidence that the Warriors can find a player capable of contributing immediately.

Mike Dunleavy says the Warriors expect to find a strong player at No. 11 and hints Golden State may keep its 2026 NBA draft pick. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

“I think we’ll get a really good player at 11,” Dunleavy said. “This is a really good draft to be in, especially at 11.”

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Those comments are particularly notable given several prospects linked to Golden State in recent mock drafts, including Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg.

Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines knocks the ball out of bounds during the second half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship Getty Images

Lendeborg, 24, appears to check many of the boxes Dunleavy outlined Wednesday. The former Michigan star led the Wolverines to a national championship while averaging 14.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. A consensus All-American, he has been praised for his versatility, defensive toughness and ability to impact winning.

Dunleavy specifically pushed back against concerns surrounding older prospects, noting that NIL and the transfer portal have fundamentally changed how teams evaluate draft age.

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“We’re just in a different age where there’s more older guys that have stayed in the draft,” Dunleavy said. “Teams are much more open to drafting older players.”

That could benefit prospects like Lendeborg, who spent time at Arizona Western and UAB before transferring to Michigan. Despite being one of the oldest lottery candidates, some scouts view him as a late bloomer after he didn’t begin playing organized basketball until age 15.

Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23)…

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Publish date : 2026-06-18 00:22:00

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