Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has had himself quite the summer, going back to training camp with a Summer League championship and accolades to accompany it.
Lendeborg was named the best player throughout the NBA summer showcase, selected as the 2026 Summer League MVP.
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He was also named the Summer League championship game MVP after posting a 21-point, 10-rebound performance in a 94-90 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on July 19.
Lendeborg is the second Warrior to win the Summer League championship game MVP, joining Ian Clark, who did it 2013. However, he is the first player in Golden State Warriors history to win the Summer League MVP. The award was first introduced in 2006.
“It means a lot. You know, it comes from all the sacrifices, all the struggle to get to this point,” Lendeborg said after the Summer League championship on July 19. “Every game I play, I have something to prove to myself and to all of those that doubted me and those who don’t believe in me. So I mean, I’m just very proud of this moment. I’m glad that we got to win this.”
In addition to MVP, Lendeborg was also named to the Summer League First Team after he averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and four assists in six games as Golden State won the championship.
This year has been good to the 24-year-old Lendeborg.
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He was selected out of Michigan with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Warriors, finally seeing his NBA dreams come true. Months prior to draft night, Lendeborg helped the Michigan Wolverines capture their first NCAA championship since 1989, ending a 37-year title drought.
Lendeborg became just the second player to win an NCAA championship and Summer League title in the same calendar year, joining Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell, who did the same in 2021 coming out of Baylor then playing for the Sacramento Kings.
His confidence is sky-high after an NCAA title, realizing his NBA dreams, taking over immediately and being crowned first-team and Summer League champion. Now, he’s really looking forward to bringing this experience with him to training camp and the regular season for Golden State.
“Well, I’m going to bring a lot of energy. I’m (going to) be the most energetic-playing guy on the floor every night. I’m going to try to bring as many positive vibes as possible,” Lendeborg said.
Joining Lendeborg on the first team is Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer, Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas and Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson.
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The Summer League second team includes the Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward, Brooklyn Nets’ Egor DÑ‘min, Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach, Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zyon Pullin.
All awards and accolades were voted by all 30 NBA teams based on performance at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg earns Summer League MVP, first team honors
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