Brandin Podziemski Details Ideal Warriors Pick At No. 11 In 2026 Nba Draft

Brandin Podziemski details ideal Warriors pick at No. 11 in 2026 NBA Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors have a major decision to make with the No. 11 pick in next week’s 2026 NBA Draft, and there is no shortage of options for general manager Mike Dunleavy and Co.

Dunlaevy himself shared a blunt assessment of Golden State’s mindset this offseason: “Frankly, we need everything.” Luckily for him and his staff, there are plenty of prospects who could help the Warriors and their long list of needs.

Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski outlined the ideal candidate to join the Warriors as they still chase another championship to maximize the tail end of Steph Curry’s illustrious career.

“I think the obvious answer is someone who’s ready to play or he can play right away,” Podziemski said Thursday on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs.” “Someone that has experience, is physically mature enough to play in the games right away. I think that’s kind of, as an organization, where we’re at. We’re at the stage where we’re trying to win as much as we can.

“So I think with the 11th pick, you just got to look for a guy that’s ready to come in and make the impact right away.”

One prospect that immediately comes to mind that matches the characteristics Podziemski listed is Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg.

Lendeborg worked out with the Warriors last week and, while speaking to the media, already envisioned how he could fit with the Warriors.

“I would say, like five assists a game maybe to start off,” Lendeborg said after his workout. “A lot of defense, fastbreak opportunities for me. Depending on if I’m here or anywhere else, my role will be a lot different. But if I was here, I’ll be more like a secondary ball-handler. Whenever Steph [Curry] is taken out of the game, I’ll be there to assist, maybe provide a little more offense or instant offense.”

Apparently, the Warriors agree.

ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported, citing team sources, that Lendeborg impressed the Warriors in his pre-draft workout, with one team source stating “the fit is so obvious.”

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson also listed five best prospect fits for Golden State, which also included Lendeborg, and other top prospects such as Baylor wing Cameron Carr and Arizona guard Brayden Burries.

But it’ll be up to Dunleavy to make the right choice with his highest pick yet as Warriors general manager, and as we’ve come to learn, anything can happen.

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