Warriors Draymond Green anoints Yaxel Lendeborg “the next face of the franchise”

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors poses with Yaxel Lendeborg #1 during media day at Chase Center on September 28, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors have not been subtle in their preseason praise of rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. The 14th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has made a strong first impression with fans, coaches, and his teammates. With expectations low, especially with Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely, Lendeborg is seemingly the only acquisition that has the fanbase excited. Dubs star Draymond Green is not doing anything to hold back the pressure either. On the latest edition of The Draymond Green Show, Green chatted with guest Taylor Rooks about Lendeborg and gave some effusive praise.

“The Golden State Warriors has found the next face of the franchise,” Green said.

Green went on to add that Lendeborg is his pick to win Rookie of the Year this season, a particularly bold claim given most experts agree this is one of the strongest rookie classes in recent league history.

It’s worth noting that Green has always hyped up young players. He talked about Jacob Evans as a 16-game player that would be impactful in a playoff rotation. He publicly praised James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga during their tumultuous tenures. Many fans will rightly point out that Green also made positive statements about Jordan Poole before and after he punched Poole during a practice. So… it’s worth taking with a grain of salt.

However, this is far from a one-off statement. Green, Steph Curry, Steve Kerr, and almost every prominent member of the organization has been united in sharing significant excitement about Lendeborg’s potential to make an impact immediately. He’s backed it up on the court as well during the Summer League and preseason. He’ll officially begin his NBA career tomorrow when the Warriors tip off their season against the Lakers.