Yaxel Lendeborg Makes Emotional Confession After Getting Selected by Warriors in NBA Draft 2026

On Tuesday, we saw the class of 2026 arrive for the NBA Draft. During the draft, the Golden State Warriors picked the top prospect and former Michigan Wolverines forward, Yaxel Lendeborg. After getting picked 11th overall, the rookie felt overwhelmed.

"I don't deserve to be here right now," Lendeborg told the media as he held back tears. The reason behind his mindset was something the interviewer touched upon, asking how six years ago, Lendeborg said he was lost and didn't believe he had a future.

"I can't believe it.... (I) got here because of (my mom). She pushed a dream, forced me to go out there, step into the world, and become a man. So I vowed every day to be a man, be a better person," added Lendeborg.

The Warriors look forward to a highly versatile forward coming to their roster. Lendeborg's size and ability to get inside the paint are what the team is looking for.

During his time in the NCAA, Lendeborg showed a blend of playmaking and defense. In his final college year, he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals, which helped the Wolverines win the 2026 NCAA championship.

Last NCAA season, Lendeborg shot 37.2% from 3-point land. While his shooting percentage isn't bad, he could become a better shooter playing next to Stephen Curry.

Meanwhile, as Yaxel Lendeborg fell just short of making the top-10 overall picks, things went as planned for BYU forward Anicet Dybantsa Jr.

AJ Dybantsa Topped the Class of 2026

Heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, there were already expectations that AJ Dybantsa would be the top pick. Dybantsa himself was confident he would be selected first in the draft, skipping formal workouts with NBA teams during the pre-draft.

Dybantsa turned out to be the No. 1 overall pick, selected by the Washington Wizards. Now heading to DC, Dybantsa is set to form a big three with Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

Young recently declined his $49 million player option and signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Wizards instead. His new contract is a clear indication that Washington plans on keeping him as the team's main attraction.

Meanwhile, we're not entirely sure about Davis' future in Washington. There have been rumors that AD could be traded once again this summer.

Previously, the Golden State Warriors were rumored to have contacted him as part of their reported plan to bring LeBron James into the fold. However, the Portland Trail Blazers now seem to be the top suitors for the big man, as they are openly welcoming him.

Ahead of the Giannis trade to the Nets, Jake Fischer on his Bleacher Report show, NBA Rumors, said: "Portland, to our understanding, as they have been floating around and poking around in Giannis trade conversations, we've been told that they would look to pivot to Anthony Davis on the trade market."

So with the draft over and prospects like AJ Dybantsa, Yaxel Lendeborg, and others preparing to start their rookie season, it'll be exciting to see how teams utilize them in the upcoming NBA season.