Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is off to a historic start. Think Shaq-like.

The Golden State Warriors seem to have landed a gem with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Yaxel Lendeborg has put his name among some of the greatest rookies of all-time with his first-week performance.

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After an 0-3 start, the Warriors have won back-to-back games and Lendeborg has filled his role tremendously.

Yes, he’s playing alongside a guy named Stephen Curry, who’s been unstoppable the past two games − his 44-point night following a perfect shooting night. Still, Curry can’t do it alone and with injuries to Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody, Golden State needs players to step up. Lendeborg has so far.

The 24-year-old rookie has averaged 22.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over his first five games.

Lendeborg is the first player since Shaquille O’Neal to average at least 20 points and nine rebounds in his first five career games.

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His performances include 31 points in the Warriors’ first win of the season, which came on the road against the Denver Nuggets. He added 12 rebounds and six assists. He shot 9-of-19.

He’s continued to adapt to the NBA game, staying aggressive and getting easy opportunities at the free throw line. The rookie finished 12-of-13 from the charity stripe against Denver.

Lendeborg joined Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and O’Neal as the only players in the draft lottery era (since 1985) to put up at least 85 points and 35 rebounds in their first four career games.

He scored 87 points in his first four games, which is second-most for a player in Warriors history behind Wilt Chamberlain. Lendeborg is ahead of Joe Fulks (78 points in 1946-47); Paul Arizin (73 points in 1950-51); Rick Barry (71 points in 1965-66); and Chris Webber (68 points in 1993-94).

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Publish date : 2026-10-30 04:54:00

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