What happened: Golden State told Yaxel Lendeborg he had behaved "like a jackass" during his 2025 combine interview, he said. He returned to Michigan and approached his next pre-draft process with greater maturity.
Why it matters: The turnaround helps explain why the Warriors invested a lottery pick in Lendeborg. His development now shifts from interview rooms to earning a place in Golden State's rotation.
By the numbers: Lendeborg's path spanned two pre-draft cycles: an initial 2025 declaration and a 2026 selection after one season at Michigan.
What to watch: Training camp will offer the next measure of how quickly Lendeborg can translate that growth into a role for 2026-27.