Spurs’ trade for Tarris Reed Jr. looks even better after Yaxel Lendeborg’s breakout

With Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg breaking out, it makes the San Antonio Spurs’ trade for Tarris Reed Jr. look even better. Both players are on the older side for a rookie with each being 23 years old during their first NBA season.

That likely resulted in both players falling in the NBA Draft, with Lendeborg being taken 11th despite being one of the best all-around prospects.

The same could be said with Reed Jr., who appears NBA-ready and already has an NBA-level skill set: rebounding. He hasn't gotten the same playing time, but he could very well make a name for himself this season.

Luke Kornet hasn't played well, and that could open the door for Reed Jr. to earn playing time.

Spurs’ trade for Tarris Reed Jr. looks better thanks to Yaxel Lendeborg

Reed Jr. has only played 20 minutes this season. Compare that to Lendeborg, who's started and averaged 22.3 points in 32.2 minutes per game. He won't get the same opportunities with the Spurs but has shown that he can potentially contribute.

Despite that, he is more of a break-in case of emergency player, with him being an insurance policy for Victor Wembanyama and Kornet. Both players are certain to miss time this season, increasing the need for the Spurs to have a playable third big man.

We all remember the Kelly Olynyk, Bismack Biyombo, and Mason Plumlee trio, none of whom could reliably play minutes. San Antonio shouldn't have to worry about whether they can get 15-20 minutes from a third-string big man anymore with Reed Jr.

Tarris Reed Jr.'s NBA readiness is a plus for the Spurs

Historically, older rookies get dinged in the draft process, and both likely were. Fortunately for the Spurs, and especially for the Warriors, they didn't hold their age against them.

Yes, Lendeborg is 24 years old, but he is already the second-best player on the Warriors this season. Tarris Reed Jr. is several years older than fellow Spurs rookies Jayden Quaintance as well as Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, but that's not knock on him.

He has more than 100 games of college experience under his belt, so he doesn't need years of development. Lendeborg's strong early-season showing has reminded the NBA of the value of having older rookies. That makes the Spurs' decision to add Reed Jr. look even better in retrospect.

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