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Why Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg is built to complement Steph Curry, Draymond Green

Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is stepping into a crucial role for the Golden State Warriors as the team navigates the early part of the 2026-27 NBA season without injured forward Jimmy Butler III. Coach Steve Kerr and veteran stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green expect the former Michigan standout to play heavily and provide much-needed rebounding and scoring versatility alongside the team's veterans.

Lendeborg previously averaged 11 rebounds at Alabama-Birmingham before winning a national title with Michigan and shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc. While Butler recovers from ACL surgery and aims to return in early 2027 alongside Moses Moody, Lendeborg has a clear opening to establish himself as a vital contributor in the rotation.

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