Rookies Yaxel Lendeborg and Lajae Jones visited Chase Center for the Golden State Valkyries’ game against the Atlanta Dream, earning a warm welcome as they prepare for their own Warriors debuts. Golden State’s latest picks watched the Valkyries rally to a 78-7
For one night, the Bay wasn’t asking anything of Yaxel Lendeborg or Lajae Jones. No press conference, no playbook—just Chase Center, the lights, and the feeling of walking into the building they’ll call home next season.
The newest Golden State Warriors draftees were in attendance for the Golden State Valkyries’ game against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center. As the action unfolded. the two rookies popped up on the videoboard and the crowd gave them a warm welcome. complete with a strong ovation—the kind of reception that feels like a handshake before a season begins.
The timing made it even easier to understand the moment. The Valkyries share Chase Center with the Warriors, and Lendeborg and Jones got an early feel for the home atmosphere before their own work starts. The arena already recognized them before they ever laced up in Warriors blue and gold.
Golden State’s draft positions help explain why the welcome mattered. Lendeborg was made the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Jones came aboard at No. 54 out of Florida State. Lendeborg arrives as an NCAA champion and Big Ten Player of the Year. stepping in as a versatile two-way forward who averaged 15.1 points. 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists at Michigan. with a 7-foot-3 wingspan that allows him to guard across positions. Jones. meanwhile. brings rangy wing size and shot-making. posting 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Seminoles. and he has already talked up his excitement to play the Warriors’ fast-paced style alongside Stephen Curry.
On the floor, the game delivered its own kind of statement. The Valkyries edged the Dream 78-75 for their second straight win over Atlanta in a back-to-back set at Chase Center. Gabby Williams scored 13 straight points in the fourth quarter to finish with 16 and rally Golden State. Kiah Stokes and Kaitlyn Chen added 13 apiece.
Lendeborg and Jones didn’t just watch the numbers on the scoreboard—they watched how the building responded when the game turned late. When the crowd roared for the fourth-quarter surge. it was easy to picture what those same stands will sound like when the Warriors’ newest additions are in the middle of their own rotation.
The focus now shifts to what comes next. Both rookies are set to suit up for the California Classic and Summer League, where Golden State fans will get their first real look at the new additions.
For tonight, though, the job was simple: sit back, enjoy some hoops, and take in the city that has already started to feel like it belongs to them.
Yaxel Lendeborg Lajae Jones Golden State Warriors Chase Center Golden State Valkyries Atlanta Dream Gabby Williams Kiah Stokes Kaitlyn Chen 2026 NBA Draft Summer League California Classic Stephen Curry
So they just went to watch a game? Kinda weird headline but okay.
No press conference?? That’s actually kinda nice, let them just learn the vibes. Also Chase Center is always loud so I get the “walk in like home” thing.
Wait I thought Lendeborg was already on the Warriors roster like last year or something. But they say 2026 draft, so maybe I got mixed up with another Lendeborg? Either way crowd on the big screen is always cringe lol but good for them I guess.
78-7?? I know sports articles love formatting errors but that’s not even close to 78-75, right? Anyway, if they’re guarding with a 7-foot-3 wingspan then that sounds insane, like taller than half the roster. I’m just hoping Warriors don’t rush them too fast with Curry lol. California Classic should be interesting if they actually play and not just stand on the bench.