The Golden State Warriors know where they stand. Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery confirmed Golden State will pick 11th in the 2026 NBA Draft, ending any slim hopes of a top-four jump. The focus now shifts to how the franchise uses that pick in what is widely considered one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory.
Steve Kerr is back on a two-year deal. Stephen Curry has one year left on his contract with extension talks expected this summer. The front office has made clear it intends to be aggressive. Whether that means using the pick or packaging it in a trade remains to be seen, but if Golden State selects at No. 11, there are several prospects who could contribute immediately and fit what the Warriors need.
Here are five realistic targets worth watching.
1. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
GettyYaxel Lendeborg of the Michigan Wolverines.
Yaxel Lendeborg is the name that keeps coming up in Warriors circles, and for good reason. The 6-foot-9 forward just helped Michigan win a national championship and was arguably the team’s best player throughout the run. At 24 years old on draft night, he is one of the older prospects in the class, but his late start to organized basketball and consistent upward trajectory make the age concern less alarming than it appears on paper.
Lendeborg brings a rare combination of two-way versatility, a 7-foot-4 wingspan, shot-blocking ability, and playmaking instincts that translate across multiple roles. He averaged 14.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for Michigan while shooting 50% from the field. His three-point shooting has been inconsistent, sitting around 29% this season, but his free throw numbers and shot mechanics suggest the potential is there. For a Warriors team that needs a day-one contributor, Lendeborg fits the profile as well as anyone in this draft at this range. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley projects him as a strong fit, noting his polish and team-first productivity.
2. Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand Breakers
GettyKarim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers.
Karim Lopez is the top international prospect in this class and has drawn projections from USA TODAY Sports, ESPN, and Yahoo Sports connecting him to Golden State at No. 11. The 19-year-old Mexican-born forward stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 225 pounds, with NBA-ready physical tools and two years of professional experience in the NBL Next Stars program.
Lopez exploded for 32 points on 11-of-13 shooting with eight rebounds against Melbourne United in January, showcasing the kind of offensive efficiency that has scouts paying close attention. He is a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions and a well-rounded offensive player, though his jump shot has been inconsistent and his ability to create off the bounce needs development. At 19, the upside is significant. Lopez profiles as a player who could slot in as a complementary piece alongside Curry while continuing to develop over time.
3. Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
GettyLabaron Philon of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Labaron Philon is the best pure ball-handler in this draft class. He averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his sophomore season at Alabama. He is a premier dribble-mover and shot-maker who can create his own offense at a high level. That is exactly what the Warriors need in their non-Curry minutes.
The fit alongside Curry is worth examining. A score-first guard without elite size or athleticism may not seem like an obvious priority. But as SI’s Derek Parker notes, Golden State needs self-sufficient scorers. Philon is one of the best in this class. His defensive effort also improved when his offensive load lightened, suggesting a complementary role could bring out the best in him.
4. Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
GettyHannes Steinbach of the Washington Huskies blocks a shot by Nick Boyd of the Wisconsin Badgers.
Hannes Steinbach led the entire NCAA in rebounding this past season. He averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds across 30 games for Washington. The 6-foot-11 big is immovable in the post, finishes through contact, and grabbed 4.2 offensive rebounds per game. He would immediately address one of the Warriors’ biggest weaknesses in the frontcourt.
Steinbach projects more as a power forward than a true center at the NBA level. His interior presence and rebounding ability would be a genuine boost to a Warriors roster that has lacked that kind of physicality. Room to grow as a floor-stretcher and playmaker gives him long-term upside on top of what he can provide from day one.
5. Aday Mara, C, Michigan
GettyAday Mara of the Michigan Wolverines.
Aday Mara is the other name drawing consistent attention in the Warriors’ range. The 7-foot-3 Spanish center improved steadily throughout the college season. He was a key piece of Michigan’s national championship run alongside Lendeborg. CBS Sports projects him to Golden State specifically because of how well his passing ability and vertical spacing fit Kerr’s offensive system.
Mara is a rim protector with sneaky mobility and reliable hands. He can facilitate out of the post and provides vertical spacing. At 21 years old, he has enough upside to justify a late-lottery selection. If the Warriors prefer a true big who can anchor their defense and contribute within their motion offense, Mara is worth serious consideration.
Final Word for the Warriors
GettySteph Curry and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors have won four NBA championships together.
Golden State has real options at No. 11. The pick could be used or packaged in a larger deal. But if the Warriors select, the prospect pool at this range offers contributors who could step in and help immediately.
Lendeborg is the consensus favorite. Lopez is the youngest of the group with room to grow. The rest fill different needs depending on how the front office prioritizes the roster around Curry.
The draft is in June. The decision is coming.
Warriors’ Top 5 Draft Targets at No. 11 in Loaded 2026 NBA Draft