The Warriors Can Wait on Porzingis Only if Lendeborg's Foot Holds
The coverage is split between a rookie's rise and a patient trade stance, and the two stories are really one bet.
Outlets covering Golden State are focused on Yaxel Lendeborg's start and on the team taking its time with Kristaps Porzingis. Those stances fit together only if the rookie stays healthy enough to keep this 1-3 roster afloat until December.
Is the Lendeborg excitement ahead of the facts?
The Athletic asked whether Lendeborg might make the Warriors' second timeline possible after all, and also asked how real the "Yaxel rising" trend is. NBC Sports relayed Curry calling him the "full package." The production supports the enthusiasm: 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists across four games in 33.3 minutes, including 31 and 12 in the 134-114 win at Denver. Four games cannot settle whether his body will hold up. Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports reported that Lendeborg is questionable in Minnesota with left foot inflammation, and Golden State of Mind reported the same listing.
Why would the Warriors be patient on Porzingis?
NBC Sports reported that the Warriors are willing to be patient with any Porzingis trade, and ESPN's Anthony Slater laid out their options while he stays away from the team. HoopsRumors reported on October 21 that Golden State had contacted the Bucks. The firm facts are narrower. Porzingis is listed out with an illness and targeted for December 1, and he earns $19.5 million on a $219.8 million payroll that is already past the $200.4 million tax line. No reported deal is close, and no return has been named. Waiting is a choice the Warriors are making, not a neutral default.
Kuminga's homecoming is the sidebar
Golden State of Mind framed tonight around Jonathan Kuminga's first shot at his old team, and around the bigger role he wanted and now has. With Minnesota he is scoring 11.5 points in 29.8 minutes over four games. The bigger fact is who is missing. Anthony Edwards, who is scoring 33.3 points, is out with a right knee injury, and Donte DiVincenzo is sidelined with an Achilles problem. The Wolves are still 3-1, with a 100.5 defensive rating.
The bet underneath the coverage
The Athletic's piece on the private language between Curry and Green fits Green's numbers: 7.0 assists against 3.3 points, a connector at 36. But the playmaking runs through Lendeborg now. Jimmy Butler is out until January 2, Moses Moody is targeted for December 1, and Al Horford is 40. Gui Santos's minutes have risen from 20.5 to 29.6 over his recent stretch. Golden State sits half a game behind tenth. Patience on Porzingis makes sense if the rookie stays on the floor. If his foot gives out, waiting becomes drifting.
Is Yaxel Lendeborg playing against the Timberwolves?
He is listed as questionable with left foot inflammation, and his status is day-to-day. He has been the Warriors' leading scorer, averaging 21.8 points over four games.
Are the Warriors trading Kristaps Porzingis?
No deal has been reported. NBC Sports reported the team is willing to be patient, HoopsRumors reported earlier contact with the Bucks, and Porzingis is out with an illness and targeted to return December 1.
