How Warriors’ star rookie Yaxel Lendeborg remains his own biggest critic

LAS VEGAS – Yaxel Lendeborg does not hesitate to be both introspective and critical. The Warriors’ rookie gave himself a B-minus grade after a recent game in which he did not miss a shot, and a C-plus after putting up a double-double.

Even after a huge effort in his first game in Las Vegas on Thursday, the big forward with an even larger personality only wanted to focus on how he could improve.

“I’m trying to change my sleep, trying to eat better, but it’s not working,” Lendeborg said after Saturday’s practice. “Maybe I just took too long of a break, because I’ve never felt this winded ever in my life.

“Once I get back in shape, I know I’ll be good, but I’m just trying everything.”

This was not the first time Lendeborg has decried his own lack of stamina. During each of his two previous media availabilities, the 241-pound forward has noted how much faster-paced the NBA game — even in a summer league setting — is compared to the college experience with its 30-second shot clock.

The stats must be deceiving, because the numbers show a player who has lived up to the hype thus far in a high-speed summer league and looks the part of someone who can fit right next to Steph Curry and Draymond Green with the real Warriors.

Lendeborg played two games at Chase Center and put up 30 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists before the coaching staff sat him in the finale.

That level of play continued in Las Vegas. He followed that up with a 21-point, 10-rebound, six-assist effort on Thursday against a Mavericks frontcourt that featured former Michigan teammate Morez Johnson Jr. alongside second-round pick Tobi Lawal.

Thus far, Lendeborg has looked every bit the NBA-ready wing he was advertised as during the pre-draft process. Even if he is a lock to make the team, Lendeborg has done his best to stay grounded.

“Two or three days ago, when we were on the way to the game, I was on the bus and shedding a couple tears,” Lendeborg said. “Like, man, I’m really about to play here in the summer league in Vegas for the first time. The journey’s been a long, long journey.”

His current stop in the journey that has seen him go from working at a warehouse after high school to being the No. 11 pick in the draft now sees his development in the hands of summer league coach Khalid Robinson.

After Lendeborg went through practice on Saturday, scrimmaging as a power forward before doing some individual shooting drills, he took a seat on one of the benches on the baselines of the Las Vegas Basketball Center.

Robinson took a seat right next to him before bringing out a tablet loaded up with plays to review. Lendeborg wants to learn, and he has a willing teacher in Robinson.

“He’s been improving every game, and that’s just his challenge,” Robinson said. “Continue to improve on and off the ball defensively, and stack good nights where you’re bringing that elite skillset,” Robinson said.

After two days of practice following a game against Morez Johnson Jr. and the Mavericks, the Warriors are set to play their second game in Nevada’s biggest city. Lendeborg will lead Golden State against the Thunder.

Oklahoma City’s top rookie? Just another Michigan man in 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara.

“He used to block all of my layups,” Lendeborg said. “Both of those guys put me on the path to become a way better scorer, finisher, and over player.”