Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg discovered his assigned locker is located directly next to that of veteran guard Steph Curry.
The proximity creates a humorous irony for the team's newest addition, who previously expressed a dislike for the league's premier shooter. The moment highlights the sudden transition from a critic to a teammate for a player entering the professional ranks.
Lendeborg entered the league as the 11th overall pick [1] in the 2026 NBA Draft [1]. Upon arriving at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the rookie found himself positioned beside Curry in the locker room [1].
This arrangement is particularly notable given Lendeborg's past comments regarding the Warriors star. He said, "I used to hate Steph Curry" [2]. The rookie has since described being drafted by the Warriors as a "dream come true" [3].
Observers noted the irony of the situation, as Lendeborg's initial reaction to the locker placement was captured in a moment of realization. He had previously used only six words to describe his feelings toward Curry [2] before joining the organization.
The rookie is now tasked with integrating into a championship culture while sharing a physical space with the player he once viewed as a foe. The transition marks a full-circle moment for the 2026 draft pick as he begins his career in the U.S. [1].
“"I used to hate Steph Curry."”
This incident serves as a lighthearted introduction for Lendeborg, but it also underscores the psychological shift rookies undergo when joining established franchises. Moving from a perspective of rivalry or dislike to a collaborative partnership is a common element of professional sports integration, especially when paired with a franchise icon like Curry.
