Jaxel Landberg, a 24-year-old forward, was selected 11th overall in the NBA draft and will join the Golden State Warriors. The pick is notable because he is the oldest player taken that high in the past 20 years, and he is expected to play alongside the stars he grew up watching.
Landberg said the moment felt like a full-circle experience. "This is a full-circle moment for me," he said. "I am a big fan of Kyrie Irving, so I hated Stephen Curry during their series in 2016." Irving faced Curry in three NBA Finals series, and in the first one he was injured after one game.
The forward is viewed as a long, versatile player who can help on both offense and defense. He arrives after winning the college championship under Dallas coach Dusty May.
ESPN draft analyst Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints said teams expected Landberg to go around picks 15 to 17 and believed he would still be available later. Dallas selected Morrez Johnson Jr. ninth overall, Adai Mare went 12th, and three starters from the college champions were taken in the lottery.