Golden State Warriors rookie first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green have engaged in a bizarre back-and-forth.
The Michigan product has taken some shots at his veteran teammate (and Michigan State alumnus), and Green, true to form, has hit back every time.
From telling him to “tread lightly” and threatening him with rookie hazing, Green will never be the one to look the other way when his ego is under attack.
Nevertheless, he can also tip his hat and give his flowers when they are due. That’s why, following Lendeborg’s strong Summer League performances, he had some praise for his new teammate.
Draymond Green praises Yaxel Lendeborg’s toughness
“Yaxel was talking his (expletive),” Green said on his podcast. “Listen, I respect that. I’ve seen many of guys over the years tighten up when the moment gets there and not be able to get it across the finish line. That’s what Yaxel is hinting at right now, you know, I think it was great. I know when we started our run, it started with a summer league championship, you know. And so, not that summer league championships are guaranteeing future success, but needless to say, winning is always good.”
Lendeborg isn’t like the average rookie. He’s 23 years old and much bigger and stronger than, say, Jordan Poole, so Green might take a different approach with him.
While college rivalries are fierce and everyone can understand how passionate they are, they’re now both pros pushing for a common goal.
Lendeborg got the ball rolling by taking the first shot at Green, who, as a veteran, also should’ve known better than to continue engaging.
He should’ve reached out privately and nipped it in the bud. Instead, he only turned a non-story into a talking point because he wanted to have the final word.
In any other case, this wouldn’t even be a thing, but given Green’s history, it cannot go overlooked.
Things will be interesting once training camp gets rolling, but Green’s physicality and tough defense could help bring out the best in Lendeborg, so there’s that.
He already proved that he can talk the talk and walk the walk.
