Michael Kaskey-Blomain•Getty ImagesAdd The Sporting News on GoogleStarting as a rookie in the NBA is difficult. Starting in the NBA as a rookie for Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is exceedingly difficult – and rare.Kerr has a reputation for not giving many minutes to rookies, probably because he's coached contending teams replete with veterans for the vast majority of his career. But, Warriors first round draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg thinks he might have an opportunity to do just that. Speaking at his introductory press conference with the Warriors, Lendeborg expressed optimism that he could potentially start for Kerr as a rookie. “He doesn’t normally play rookies as much. You know, he has a history of that," Lendeborg said of Kerr. "But the way that the team is looking now, I’m gonna have a really good chance of playing, maybe even starting. So just having that kind of hope definitely gives me extra motivation to just go out out there and be one of the new guys that actually does that and actually comes in and builds a reputation right away." This story will be updated. More NBA news: Jimmy Butler sends clear message regarding future with Golden State WarriorsAl Horford makes final decision on player option with Warriors, NBA futureBucks' Kyle Kuzma sends encouraging message to fans ahead of contract yearPhoenix Suns' Devin Booker making major change for 2026-27 NBA seasonJames Dolan sends clear message regarding New York Knicks' offseason spendingMichael Kaskey-BlomainMichael Kaskey-Blomain is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an experienced sportswriter and media member with over a decade in the industry. He has covered the NBA and NFL for a variety of outlets, including CBS Sports, 247 Sports, FanSided and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Michael grew up just outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Philadelphia.