How Yaxel Lendeborg Compared to Cam Boozer on Warriors' Big Board Revealed in New NBA Rumors

The Golden State Warriors reportedly feel confident that they landed a steal when they selected Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA draft on Tuesday night.

According to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, a team source indicated that the Warriors "only had Duke's Cam Boozer clearly placed on a higher level" than Lenderborg in this year's draft class.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Boozer third overall. Arizona guard Brayden Burries, who was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10, was "rated about even" with Lendeborg on Golden State's draft board, per Kawakami.

Lendeborg, who will turn 24 on Sept. 30, is one of the oldest players in this year's draft class. His maturity and experience as a national champion with Michigan should are expected to help him fit in right away with the Warriors' veteran-laden roster, which is led by the star duo of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Kawakami noted that the Warriors "weren't going to take a lead guard in this draft," as five of the first nine selections were at that position. Lendeborg's size and skills in the frontcourt should allow him to be an immediate contributor for Golden State.

"The Warriors definitely always were very high on Lendeborg and definitely always weren't so worried about his birthdate," Kawakami stated.