'F--k Development,' Warriors Insider Explains Yaxel Lendeborg's Opportunities vs. Jonathan Kuminga

Yaxel Lendeborg is just four games into his NBA career, but already looks like a star in the making.

It's a rare sight for the Golden State Warriors, who haven't had much success with homegrown talent in recent years as they've clung to their aging stars while continually chasing championships.

Jonathan Kuminga is perhaps the biggest example of a failed developmental project. He was drafted in 2021 to a team already competing for titles, giving him little runway to make mistakes.

"No," a Warriors source told Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle when asked whether Kuminga had the chance to fail early in his career. "Not even close. Because we were trying to win titles. And we should be. If you can win a title, you just win a title. F--k development."

Lendeborg started each of his first four games in the NBA while averaging 33.3 minutes. Kuminga was limited to 16.9 minutes per game as a rookie mostly off the bench.

Though Kuminga showed flashes of potential early on, he never panned out the way the Warriors hoped, and they ultimately traded him last season.

Lendeborg figures to be set up for success much more than Kuminga was. While Golden State is still aiming for the playoffs, few expect the Dubs to be Finals contenders. Once Stephen Curry retires, the Warriors will likely be heading towards a full rebuild.

That gives Lendeborg the chance to play big minutes without having the pressure of playing on a championship-caliber team. He's off to a fantastic start, averaging 21.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.