What happened: Speaking during the preseason, Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted that rookie Yaxel Lendeborg shows his youth in interviews and will likely say things he eventually has to walk back. Even so, Kerr stressed that Golden State encourages players to be themselves and praised the forward's personality. Those preseason remarks resurfaced via Anthony Slater after Lendeborg publicly claimed Luka Doncic could not score on him and criticized league-wide foul baiting following Golden State's opener.

Why it matters: Golden State is leaning on Lendeborg's edge on the floor after Kerr slotted the rookie into an immediate rotation role earlier this month. With Draymond Green also backing the newcomer after his physical matchup with Doncic, the coaching staff and locker room have made clear they will live with rookie candor in exchange for defensive tenacity.

What to watch: Watch how opposing veterans and officials respond to Lendeborg's physical defense now that his postgame remarks have drawn league-wide attention.