Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has publicly criticized the NBA draft process, arguing that Yaxel Lendeborg’s age was the primary factor behind his lower draft position. Kerr noted that teams systematically penalize prospects who are older than the typical 19- or 20-year-old rookie, overlooking Lendeborg’s rare combination of size and versatility. The forward entered the league at 24, an age that Kerr believes triggered an automatic discount on his value, despite his impressive physical profile and basketball IQ.
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Kerr highlighted the specific attributes that should have made Lendeborg a consensus top-five pick, emphasizing his 6-foot-10 height and 240-pound frame. “Once you get him and you go, ‘Wait a second, this guy is 6’10”, 240, and can dribble, pass, and shoot?’ It’s hard to imagine somebody like that,” Kerr stated. He pointed out the irony that Lendeborg’s maturity and skill development were viewed negatively rather than as assets, creating a disconnect between his on-court capabilities and his draft stock.
The comments underscore a broader issue in how NBA front offices evaluate late-bloomers who spend extended time in college. Kerr suggested that the system favors younger, less polished prospects, effectively punishing players like Lendeborg for taking the time to refine their game. “He was his own worst enemy. He should’ve just come out four years ago completely unprepared, and then he would’ve been the second pick in the draft,” Kerr remarked, illustrating the paradox where youth is valued over readiness in the modern draft landscape.
Source: Yahoo Sports
