Warriors Rookie Has New Stephen Curry Goal After Viral Draft Comments

Golden State’s latest rookie, Yaxel Lendeborg, quickly turned viral draft comments into an upbeat narrative after being selected No. 11 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. During his introductory press conference Friday at Chase Center, Lendeborg said his locker would be placed next to Stephen Curry’s, adding that they “need a lot of work” to become best friends. The remark follows Lendeborg’s earlier admission that he rooted against Curry due to his Cleveland Cavaliers support in Ohio, linked to the Warriors–Cavaliers rivalry, and his support for Kyrie Irving. Curry responded playfully on social media, welcoming him to the Bay and saying he would work hard to become his “new favorite player.” Lendeborg later said his view changed after meeting Curry during a Warriors play-in game versus the Los Angeles Clippers in April. He also joked about Draymond Green, prompting Green to reply referencing the Michigan–Michigan State rivalry and his championship-ring comments.