Warriors’ Draymond Green already talking smack to Yaxel Lendeborg

Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg will go through a lot in his first year in the NBA. Aside from the physical toll, his mental toughness will be heavily tested as he tries to navigate the rigors and nuances of the league.

His so-called rite of passage will include doing rookie duties, making rookie mistakes, getting embarrassed by a veteran opponent, and getting screamed at in a huddle.

But probably the most difficult of all is this: Enduring Draymond Green’s trash talk.

The Warriors drafted Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick. He is fresh from leading Michigan to the national title. Of course, Green, who is from Michigan State, will find a way to belittle it. For the unaware, Michigan and Michigan State are as friendly as Kendrick Lamar and Drake. They go together like oil and water.

Lendeborg has not even joined the Warriors, and yet, Green has already started chirping, posting a screenshot of his video call with Michigan State coach Tom Izzo on his Instagram Story.

“@yaxellendeborg It’s 6 a.m. From the south of France. Your coach is not like mine. Very cute six-month ring though. Go Green!” wrote Green.

Lendeborg quickly clapped back on his Instagram Story.

“Don’t worry, guys, we’ll get a ‘Go Blue’ by the end of the season. 2-0 with the natty #DustyForPresident,” said Lendeborg, referring to coach Dusty May, who recently left Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks.

Yaxel Lendeborg responds to Draymond Green on Instagram

“Don’t worry guys, we’ll get a Go Blue by the end of the season”

“2-0 with the Natty. #DustyForPresident” pic.twitter.com/sDk9epmPo4

— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) June 25, 2026

Just to be clear, it was just friendly banter and a warm welcome between Green and Lendeborg rather than a real beef. It is typical for athletes to rib each other, especially in the NBA, where college rivalries spill over.

Green did not win a national title with the Spartans, although he was named Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

Green will likely take Lendeborg, who was also a Big Ten Player of the Year, under his wing once training camp starts, which should only bode well for the young newcomer.

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