Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg went viral in his first day of being a Golden State Warrior after his comments about Steph Curry.
When asked about the Warriors legend, the No.11 overall pick told the media, “I’m a big Kyrie [Irving] guy. So I used to hate Steph Curry.”
However, he was quick to follow it up with praise for the four-time Warriors champ.
“So, now that I’m actually going to be on the same team as him, play and actually learn so much from him, it’s means a lot,” Lendeborg said. “I met him a couple times. He’s a very great guy, genuine person. And it’s gonna be an honor to be able watch him do what he does in person. So, I’m very excited.”
Steph himself must have seen the comments too, because he had a hilarious response to a post on Lendeborg’s Instagram page.
“Let’s go! Welcome to the Bay! I’m going to work hard be your new favorite player [laughing emoji],” Curry wrote.
Lendeborg is also excited about playing in the frontcourt with Draymond Green, but also decided to toss a little shade the vet’s way.
“I know he’s a Michigan State guy,” Lendeborg said. “I’m really not too fond of that. But I’m definitely excited to be able to meet him and speak to him in person and learn. Just learn everything I can.”
While Golden State were on the clock for the next pick, they started fielding calls from rival teams interested in trading up.
ESPN caught the exact moment on camera and showed the world Dunleavy in an animated discussion with controlling owner Joe Lacob.
The GM downplayed it.
“We got into it about best golf course in San Francisco,” Dunleavy said. “He didn’t agree with me.”
He went on to explain that the conversation had more to do with the trade options and Lacob’s anxiousness about finalizing the pick on time.
“Ultimately we were all in agreement to land on taking Yaxel,” Dunleavy said.
READ MORE: NBA Draft 2026: Every Player From the First Round