Kerr Criticizes Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's Weak-Side Awareness

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr publicly criticized rookie Yaxel Lendeborg following a loss to the Phoenix Suns, citing his very poor weak-side awareness as an area requiring immediate improvement. Despite scoring 26 points and leading the team in minutes while key players rested due to injuries, Kerr stated that with Lendeborg's size he should be one of the best rim defenders but remains unaware on defense. The criticism drew online pushback from journalists who questioned whether it was appropriate for a coach to critique his own player so harshly after resting most starters and giving the rookie 36 minutes.