The Warriors hold the 11th pick in this month’s NBA Draft.
The choice they make, perhaps the most significant one since 2021, could shape not only Stephen Curry’s final days with the team but also the overarching direction of the franchise.
This week, we’re highlighting five potential prospects General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. might consider.
Let’s start with the first one:
Jaxel Lendeborg
Age: 24
Position: Forward
Dimensions: 6’9″, 240 lbs
School: Michigan
Lendeborg had quite an impressive season, averaging 14.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks, leading Michigan to the NCAA Championship in 2026. He’s the first player at Michigan to score 20 points in three consecutive NCAA Tournament games since Juwan Howard.
Prior to his time at Michigan, Lendeborg was a two-time American Conference Defensive Player of the Year at UAB. Although he considered entering the draft last year, he chose to transfer instead, skipping offers that could’ve netted him between $5 million and $9 million, as he explained to the press.
This experience at Michigan gave him valuable lessons beyond just basketball.
“This year has been full of trials and errors in everything I do, from media interviews to games,” he shared with Mavs.com at last month’s draft combine. “I learned quite a bit about how to handle those situations.”
So, Lendeborg comes to the table ready, polished, and as a solid option for the Warriors at the 11th slot.
He boasts the best wingspan-to-height ratio in his draft class, nearly reaching 7-foot-4.
What makes him likely available at 11?
Lendeborg’s journey hasn’t been a straight line to success. He started playing organized basketball at 15 and faced setbacks early on, like getting cut from his high school team over academics. Starting at Arizona Western Community College, he eventually found his footing at UAB, rising up the ranks.
While his age might suggest a capped potential, his relative lack of experience could still mean he’s a late bloomer with ample room to grow.
NBA Comparison: OG Anunoby
Although Lendeborg might be a bit smaller for an NBA big man, he compensates with one of the top wingspan-to-height ratios in the draft class.
