Bob Fitzgerald‘s bold claim comparing Yaxel Lendeborg to Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero might not be too far off the mark, with the 11th overall pick putting in another stunning display during the Golden State Warriors, 111-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Fitzgerald made the comparison as Lendeborg walked off the court following an incredibly impressive first-half, having put in 20 points and eight rebounds to lead the Warriors to a 61-56 lead over their pacific division rival.
Yaxel Lendeborg draws Paolo Banchero comparison before single game
It’s quite remarkable that Lendeborg is drawing such a comparison to an All-Star level player before he even makes his NBA debut, but such has been his remarkable impression and impact dating back to summer league and through his first three preseason games to date.
The comparisons are obvious given Lendeborg’s combination of size and ball handling, having once again bullied through defenders on occasion while also showcasing smart footwork in an explosive offensive performance.
Lendeborg already looks like a better jump shooter than Banchero, having cashed one of his two three-point attempts in the first half as the Warriors provided another productive offensive display despite the absence of six time All-Star Jimmy Butler and starting center Kristaps Porzingis.
The idea of Lendeborg being Golden State’s second best player without Butler and Porzingis is becoming more real by the day, and franchise superstar Stephen Curry even played a backseat role to Lendeborg’s exploits during the first half. The two-time MVP had just eight points, allowing Lendeborg and fellow young forward Gui Santos to go to work as the Brazilian had 13 points in his own impressive first half performance.
Yaxel Lendeborg showcases versatility once again
It’s far from just scoring that Lendeborg is bringing to the Warriors, though that’s the element the team most desperately needs as they look to rise from what was just a 20th-ranked offense last season.
Lendeborg stuffed the box score to finish with 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, shooting an incredibly efficient 10-of-14 from the floor while being an equal game-high +18 in just under 24 minutes.
Santos finished with 15 points and six rebounds, while Brandin Podziemski, fresh off signing a five-year, $110 million contract extension, added 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists along with also being a +18 in 26 minutes.
It takes just one draft to help turn the fortunes and make the future look far more optimistic, and the Warriors are seeing the early signs of that come to fruition with Lendeborg’s impression thus far.
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