Warriors Rookies Yaxel Lendeborg and Lajae Jones Receive Warm Bay Area Welcome

The Golden State Warriors’ newest draft picks are already becoming familiar faces around the Bay Area. First-round selection Yaxel Lendeborg and second-round pick Lajae Jones attended the Golden State Valkyries’ home game against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center, giving fans an early opportunity to welcome the franchise’s latest additions.

Although they were not on the court, the two rookies received plenty of attention during the WNBA matchup. Their appearance on the arena’s videoboard prompted a warm ovation from the crowd, offering both players a glimpse of the passionate fan base they will soon represent during the upcoming NBA season.

The visit also served as an introduction to the venue that will host many of the biggest moments of their professional careers. Chase Center is home to both the Warriors and the expansion Valkyries, making the evening an ideal opportunity for Lendeborg and Jones to experience the atmosphere before training camp and Summer League competition begin.

For the rookies, it was more than just attending a basketball game. It marked one of their first public appearances as members of the Warriors organization and highlighted the excitement surrounding a new draft class that the franchise hopes can contribute in the years ahead.

1. First Taste of Life With the Warriors

Golden State selected Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after an outstanding collegiate career. The versatile forward entered the professional ranks with an impressive résumé that included an NCAA championship and Big Ten Player of the Year honors. During his final season at Michigan, Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. His combination of size, athleticism and a reported 7-foot-3 wingspan made him one of the draft’s most intriguing two-way prospects, capable of defending multiple positions while contributing offensively. Jones joined the Warriors later in the draft after being selected with the 54th overall pick out of Florida State. The wing impressed scouts with his length, scoring ability and versatility, averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds during his collegiate campaign with the Seminoles. Following the draft, Jones expressed enthusiasm about joining Golden State’s up-tempo system. The opportunity to share the floor with veteran stars, including Stephen Curry, presents an ideal environment for the rookie to continue developing while adapting to the demands of the NBA.

2. Valkyries Deliver an Entertaining Showcase

While the Warriors’ newest players watched from the stands, the Valkyries gave Chase Center fans plenty to cheer about. Golden State secured a 78-75 victory over the Atlanta Dream, completing consecutive home wins against the same opponent. The game’s biggest momentum shift came during the fourth quarter when Gabby Williams caught fire offensively. She scored 13 consecutive points for the Valkyries, finishing with a team-high 16 points and helping her club erase a deficit late in the contest. Kiah Stokes and Kaitlyn Chen also made valuable contributions, each adding 13 points to support the balanced offensive effort. Their performances helped Golden State withstand Atlanta’s challenge and close out another competitive victory in front of the home crowd. For Lendeborg and Jones, the game provided more than entertainment. It offered an opportunity to experience the energy inside Chase Center and witness firsthand the support that local fans provide to the city’s professional basketball teams.

3. Attention Turns Toward Summer Competition

With draft night behind them, both rookies are preparing for the next phase of their development. Their immediate focus shifts to the California Classic and NBA Summer League, where they will have their first opportunities to wear Warriors uniforms in game action. Summer League represents an important evaluation period for every rookie. Coaches will use the exhibition contests to assess how each player adapts to the professional level, learns the team’s system and competes against fellow young prospects from around the league. Lendeborg is expected to showcase the defensive versatility and all-around skill set that made him a lottery selection, while Jones will aim to demonstrate his perimeter scoring and athleticism as he competes for a role within the organization. Before that work officially begins, however, both players were able to enjoy a memorable introduction to their new city. Their appearance at Chase Center symbolized the beginning of their journey with the Warriors, while fans offered an early reminder that they are eager to see the franchise’s newest talent take the floor.