...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Draymond Green went off in a recent rant, claiming that the Golden State Warriors' first-round draft pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, has been lying about him in interview comments.
"Yaxel's been [expletive] lying, and I was very happy to expose the rookie on the internet," Green said during a recent episode of "The Draymond Green Show."
"This guy text me. I text back within 30 seconds, 'Ah man, dope. Welcome to the squad, bro. Happy you're on the squad. It's my responsibility as a veteran to help you be in the best position that you can be to be successful and take over this franchise. Blase blah." Green relayed.
Read More on NBA
"This [expletive] guy and it's the Michigan way, of course it's the Michigan way. This guy goes in an interview, 'Steph text back. Text Draymond. Still waitin' on a response back,' You [expletive] liar Yaxel, how dare you," Green said, adding that he has "receipts" with their text message.
Read more: Bronny James’ Lakers Future Gets Major Update Amid LeBron Buzz: Report
...
Green went on to explain that the Warriors aren't a team that has been very big on rookie hazing, but suggested, "We can pick that back up if you want to be lying."
"Tread lightly, young fellow. Let's make your rookie year really easy," Green warned Lendeborg in his podcast rant.
Lendeborg became the Warriors' No. 11 pick in the draft, joining his teammates, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., as Michigan first-rounders.
Mara went to the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving them another big man with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Johnson went to the Dallas Mavericks to reunite with former Michigan coach, Dusty May, who was hired as the Mavs coach before the NBA Draft.
All three teams picked up players with experience and a championship on their resumes, as Michigan ran through the NCAA Tournament and defeated UConn in the final. Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while also shooting over 51% field goal percentage.
He's previously made intriguing comments in his post-draft interviews, including that he used to "hate" Curry, as a fan of Kyrie Irving, who played for the Cavaliers against the Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. It seems he might need some help from the Warriors' PR team ahead of the upcoming season.
The Warriors have made headlines recently over speculation they might attempt to land LeBron James to team up with Stephen Curry in pursuit of another championship. Adding to the speculation was the news that Green declined his player option to create space to give the team "optionality" in free agency.
"Joe Lacob, Peter Guber, the ownership group has never been one to shy away from doing things that help this team get better, and if I can stand on that same side and have a hand in helping this organization be in a better position, I’m always willing to do that," Green said on his podcast about the decision.
More news: Celtics Legend Rips ‘Disturbing’ Handling of Jaylen Brown Situation
For more about the Golden State Warriors and the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines