Home/Articles/NBA
NBA·ANALYSIS·June 24, 2026 06:04 AM ET

Warriors' Dunleavy dismisses age questions on Yaxel Lendeborg

GM shrugs off the rookie's age, not his upside.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 241 min read
Post on X
Mike Dunleavy on Yaxel Lendeborg’s age: “He’s, what, 23, almost 24? I’m not worried because he’s not 38.” https://t.co/J Via @anthonyVslater on X

What happened: Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy addressed questions about Yaxel Lendeborg's age, noting the forward is roughly 23, turning 24 in September. "I'm not worried because he's not 38," Dunleavy said, brushing aside concerns that the prospect is older than a typical first-round pick.

Why it matters: The comment frames how Golden State is selling its draft choice: prioritizing readiness and fit over the youngest possible age. For a team built around an aging core, an older, more developed rookie can be an asset rather than a knock, and Dunleavy's tone signals the front office is comfortable with the profile of the forward they took at No. 11.

What to watch: Watch how Lendeborg's age-versus-readiness debate plays out in summer league and training camp, and whether his early-career production justifies the front office's confidence heading into the 2026-27 season.

Sources

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NBAAnalysisYaxel Lendeborg
Follow NBA Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportNBA
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report