Draymond Green won't give up his No. 23 jersey to Yaxel Lendeborg.
Lendeborg was taken No. 11 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
What happened?
Yaxel Lendeborg wants Draymond Green's No. 23 jersey.
He wore 23 throughout his title-winning campaign at Michigan.
Why it matters for Draymond Green
Green is a four-time champion and the longest-serving member of Golden State's core.
He won't give up his jersey easily.
What comes next?
Lendeborg could be Draymond Green's successor.
He is versatile, physical, and young enough to be malleable.
Lendeborg spent just one season at the University of Michigan.
He finished the campaign as Big Ten Player of the Year.
Draymond Green is a Michigan State man.
The two schools share one of college basketball's fiercest in-state rivalries.
Lendeborg was asked about a possible jersey swap.
He said he wouldn't wear Michigan State gear all season to get the jersey.
Lendeborg said: "Nah, I'm not doing that, man. I hate those guys."
He went 2-0 against Michigan State this year.
Green slipped to No. 35 in the 2012 draft.
He built himself into a four-time champion and one of the best defenders of his generation.
Lendeborg went 24 spots higher at No. 11.
He arrives as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this deep class at 23 years old.
Green is now in the later stages of his career.
Golden State will eventually need someone to take on that defensive workload.
The hope is that Lendeborg can grow into that role.
For now, he is happy to let his new teammate keep the number.
Lendeborg is happy to start his NBA journey.
He will have to earn his place on the team.
Draymond Green's jersey is safe for now.
Lendeborg will have to wait or choose a different number.
The Warriors have a new player.
Yaxel Lendeborg is ready to start his NBA career.