Yaxel Lendeborg’s Three-Point Shooting Impresses at NBA Summer League
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is quickly making an impression during NBA Summer League, showcasing an offensive skill that has surprised many observers—his three-point shooting.
Known primarily for his defensive versatility, rebounding, and all-around play during his college career at Michigan, Lendeborg has added another dimension to his game by knocking down shots from beyond the arc at an impressive rate.
Through his first two Summer League appearances, the 11th overall pick has connected on seven three-pointers while scoring 34 total points, giving the Warriors another reason to be excited about his long-term potential. His confident shooting has stretched opposing defenses and demonstrated that he can be more than just a physical forward.
Lendeborg opened Summer League with a standout performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing with 19 points, six assists, and five rebounds in just 22 minutes. He was perfect from the field, going 6-for-6 overall and 4-for-4 from three-point range, helping lead the Warriors to a convincing victory.
His second outing continued the trend, as he once again found success from deep while showing the well-rounded game that made him one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft. Through two games, he has looked comfortable playing both on and off the ball, creating opportunities for teammates while making defenses pay for leaving him open.
Lendeborg’s outside shooting is particularly encouraging because it wasn’t considered the strongest part of his game entering the draft. At Michigan, he developed into one of college basketball’s most complete forwards, averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from three-point range during the Wolverines’ national championship season.
Warriors coaches have praised the rookie’s maturity and basketball IQ, noting that his passing, defensive instincts, and versatility already give him a chance to contribute. If his perimeter shooting continues to improve, it could significantly increase his role within Golden State’s rotation.
Despite his offensive success, Lendeborg has remained focused on improving other areas of his game. Following his Summer League debut, he acknowledged there is still work to do defensively and pointed to turnovers and missed rotations as areas he wants to clean up before the regular season.
Golden State selected Lendeborg with the expectation that his experience and polished game would allow him to contribute sooner rather than later. At 24 years old and coming off a national championship season at Michigan, he entered the NBA as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft.
While Summer League performances don’t always translate directly to regular-season success, Lendeborg’s shooting display has given Warriors fans plenty of optimism. If he continues to stretch the floor while providing his trademark defense and playmaking, he could become an important piece of Golden State’s roster much sooner than expected.
