NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
When former Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg was growing up, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the biggest rivalries in the NBA. And like most sports-watching fans at his age, he had to pick a side.
So when it came time to argue with his friends, Lendeborg defended Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers, per ESPN. It reached a point where Lendeborg said he “used to hate” Warriors star Stephen Curry.
Advertisement
Now, he’s going to have to adjust to being Curry’s teammate. The Warriors used the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday to select Lendeborg out of Michigan. During his post-draft presser with media, Lendeborg admitted he “used to hate” Curry.
Lendeborg called it a “full-circle moment.”
That’s quite the revelation to make hours after you were drafted by the team that employs Curry. But if you listened along with the cadence of Lendeborg’s answer — and saw him smile through it — it’s clear he has no malice toward Curry now.
After his admission, Lendeborg said he has a lot of admiration for Curry and can’t wait to play with him.
“So, now that I’m actually going to be on the same team as him, play and actually learn so much from him, it’s means a lot,” Lendeborg said. “I met him a couple times. He’s a very great guy, genuine person. And it’s gonna be an honor to be able watch him do what he does in person. So, I’m very excited.”
Lendeborg’s selection was not without controversy … and it had nothing to do with him or his thoughts about Curry. Prior to making the pick, the broadcast showed team owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy engaging in an animated discussion while the team was on the clock. Lacob walked away and threw his hands in the air after chatting with Dunleavy.
Advertisement
After the first round, Dunleavy attempted to downplay that spat, saying the two were arguing about golf courses.
Compared to that, Lendeborg’s admission doesn’t seem like such a big deal. His willingness to be honest and smile about the situation after the fact is probably a good sign that his previous hatred — no matter how real or justified it was — is way in the past.
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-draft-warriors-first-round-pick-yaxel-lendeborg-admits-he-used-to-hate-stephen-curry-181414720.html
Author : Chris Cwik
Publish date : 2026-06-24 18:14:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
