Yaxel Lendeborg taken 11th overall by Golden State Warriors in 2026 NBA Draft

Dominican forward Yaxel Lendeborg was selected with the 11th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 23‑year‑old, a key player on the University of Michigan Wolverines, helped the team win the NCAA national championship and earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors. He averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game and was praised for his defensive versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions.

Lendeborg’s selection marks the 14th Dominican ever drafted and the 7th chosen in the first round. The Warriors reportedly offered him a rookie‑scale contract worth about $28.9 million, with an initial $6.2 million salary. The pick sparked internal tension that was captured on camera: owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. were seen arguing in the war room before the selection was announced.

After the pick, Lendeborg candidly said he “used to hate” Stephen Curry because he was a die‑hard Kyrie Irving fan, a comment that quickly went viral and endeared him to fans. Dominican President Luis Abinader later posted congratulations, calling the achievement a source of national pride. Analysts view the pick as a pragmatic move – Lendeborg is older than most lottery prospects and considered NBA‑ready, offering the Warriors a forward who can contribute immediately alongside veterans Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and others.