--- title: "Lendeborg: 'I used to hate Steph Curry' as Kyrie fan" description: "Warriors rookie admits his past fandom conflict with the Bay Area icon he now plays alongside" url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/new-warrior-yaxel-lendeborg-used-to-hate-steph-curry-as-ky-5eba7ef0 published: 2026-06-30T23:52:55.366+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T23:52:55.366+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Lendeborg: 'I used to hate Steph Curry' as Kyrie fan > Warriors rookie admits his past fandom conflict with the Bay Area icon he now plays alongside Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg admitted he once rooted against Steph Curry during the Cavaliers-Warriors rivalry. The Michigan wing, selected 11th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, made the candid confession at his introductory press conference. Lendeborg, a self-proclaimed Kyrie Irving fan, said he 'used to hate' Curry during the peak of the Warriors-Cavaliers rivalry a decade ago. The Warriors now own both the rookie and the four-time champion they once battled in the Finals. The rookie’s admission isn’t just a quirky backstory—it reflects the NBA’s shifting fan dynamics. A decade ago, Curry’s three-point barrage and Warriors’ dominance fueled resentment among rival fanbases, particularly in Cleveland. Lendeborg’s confession highlights how deeply personal those grudges ran, especially for younger fans who grew up idolizing players like Irving. The Warriors’ 2015-2018 Finals run wasn’t just a team achievement; it became a cultural flashpoint, embedding Curry’s legacy into the fabric of basketball’s most polarizing era. Lendeborg’s transition from hater to teammate also underscores the league’s fluidity in player movement. The NBA’s free-agency and draft markets reward flexibility, but rarely do players openly acknowledge past allegiances that once defined their fandom. His honesty cuts against the grain of sanitized athlete narratives, where players often avoid acknowledging past rivalries to maintain a clean public image. The Warriors’ decision to draft him suggests they value authenticity as much as skill, a rare alignment in a league where optics often dictate roster decisions. At 20 years old, Lendeborg averaged 18.7 points per game at Michigan last season, shooting 41% from three-point range. His draft stock rose after a strong combine performance, landing him in the lottery behind only two other wings. The Warriors’ front office prioritized upside and shooting, traits that fit their modern system. Lendeborg’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting aligns with Golden State’s identity under Steve Kerr, where spacing is paramount. The rookie’s comments drew quick reactions from media and fans, highlighting the contrast between past fandom and present reality. Analysts noted the irony of a player joining the team he once despised, while supporters celebrated the unfiltered honesty as a sign of authenticity. At his press conference, Lendeborg doubled down on his honesty, calling the admission a 'weird feeling' but emphasizing his excitement to learn from Curry. The Warriors’ decision to draft Lendeborg reflects a broader trend in the NBA: teams increasingly value versatility and shooting over traditional positional roles. Lendeborg’s arrival also underscores the league’s shift toward younger, high-upside wings who can contribute immediately while developing alongside established stars. His presence in Golden State’s rotation could accelerate the transition for a team navigating roster turnover without sacrificing its championship DNA. What's next: Lendeborg will report to Warriors training camp in September, where he’ll compete for minutes in a crowded wing rotation. His development under Kerr’s system and Curry’s mentorship will be critical as Golden State aims to remain a title contender despite roster turnover. The rivalry-era nostalgia adds a layer of intrigue to Lendeborg’s role. While Curry and the Warriors have moved past the Cavaliers battles, the rookie’s past allegiance serves as a reminder of how personal narratives intertwine with team success. It’s a rare moment where off-court history directly impacts on-court dynamics, offering fans a fresh angle to watch the new-look Warriors. ## Why this matters A rookie’s unfiltered admission about his past feelings toward a teammate-turned-rival humanizes the NBA’s offseason narratives. Lendeborg’s confession bridges generational divides, showing how fandom evolts into professional alignment. It’s a rare moment of raw honesty in a league often scripted for optics, giving fans a tangible reason to engage with the Warriors’ new-look roster beyond wins and losses. The Warriors’ investment in Lendeborg also signals their commitment to blending youth with experience, a strategy that could redefine their championship window. The NBA’s reliance on three-point shooting and positional versatility makes his fit immediate, but his past allegiance adds a human layer to the Warriors’ rebuild. ## Frequently asked ### Who is Yaxel Lendeborg? Yaxel Lendeborg is a 20-year-old wing from Michigan, selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2026 NBA Draft. He averaged 18.7 points and shot 41% from three last season. ### What did Lendeborg say about Steph Curry? Lendeborg admitted he 'used to hate' Curry during the Cavaliers-Warriors rivalry era, calling himself a 'big Kyrie Irving guy' at the time. ### Why is this admission significant? It humanizes the rookie’s transition to the NBA and adds a personal layer to the Warriors’ offseason narrative, bridging past rivalries with present teamwork. ### How did the Warriors draft Lendeborg? Golden State selected Lendeborg with the 11th pick after he impressed at the combine, fitting their need for shooting and upside alongside Curry, Thompson, and Green. ### What’s next for Lendeborg? He will join Warriors training camp in September, competing for minutes in a deep wing rotation while adjusting to the NBA’s physical and tactical demands. ### How does Lendeborg fit the Warriors’ system? His three-point shooting and versatility align with Golden State’s spacing-driven offense, making him a natural fit for a team that prioritizes perimeter shooting and movement. ## Sources & Citations - [New Warrior Yaxel Lendeborg 'used to hate Steph Curry' as Kyrie fan](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49162401/new-warriors-player-yaxel-lendeborg-admits-used-hate-steph-curry-kyrie-fan) — ESPN (2026-06-24) --- Cite: Lendeborg: 'I used to hate Steph Curry' as Kyrie fan. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/new-warrior-yaxel-lendeborg-used-to-hate-steph-curry-as-ky-5eba7ef0