​Stephen Curry had a surprising and candid reaction to rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s remarks about playing alongside him, underscoring the veteran’s mix of humor and high expectations. The Golden State Warriors have not pursued any major offseason moves yet, despite finishing the previous season outside the NBA Playoffs. Their most notable addition thus far is the 11th overall pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, who is already beginning to build a working relationship with Curry as the team looks to bounce back.
In a conversation with the San Francisco Chronicle, Curry spoke about Lendeborg’s optimism that Curry’s shooting ability could rub off on him, even jokingly wishing he could gain a few inches in height. “I hope I grow two or three inches,” Lendeborg said with a smile, a lighthearted moment that highlighted the rook’s confidence. Curry, at 6’3”, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished shorter players in NBA history, celebrated for his game-changing shooting ability and considered among the greatest pound-for-pound talents in the league. Had he been taller, some analysts argue, he might have transcended even more in the sport, though height isn’t the sole determinant of a player’s impact or legacy.
Lendeborg’s official measurements from the 2026 NBA Draft Combine frame him as a versatile forward with impressive size for the position: 6’8.75” barefoot, 241 pounds, a 7’3.25” wingspan, and a standing reach of 9’0.5”. At 24 years old, the Michigan product is viewed as one of the more NBA-ready prospects in this year’s class. The rookie will have a locker beside Curry for the 2026-27 season, signaling the organization’s intention to cultivate a mentor-mentee dynamic that could aid the Warriors in their pursuit of improved performance next season.
Lendeborg is expected to be a significant contributor in the frontcourt, likely providing valuable depth off the bench behind Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis. Depending on Porzingis’ health, he might even push for a starting role, a scenario made more plausible by the Warriors’ recent loss of backup big man Quinten Post to the Memphis Grizzlies. The club is counting on Lendeborg’s development and the growth of his chemistry with Curry to help stabilize the lineup and add another dynamic dimension to their rotations.
As Golden State prepares for the 2026-27 campaign, the plan remains clear: integrate the rookie into a system that rewards versatile frontcourt play, leverage Curry’s elite shooting to unlock Lendeborg’s potential, and work toward playoff contention after last season’s absence. The early signs suggest a promising pairing, with Curry expressing interest in how Lendeborg’s confidence and talent can translate into tangible contributions on the floor. The franchise’s focus on nurturing this relationship could be a critical factor in determining the Warriors’ trajectory in the upcoming year.