76ers Linked to Michigan Forward Who Would Be 'Excellent' Fit Alongside Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers could certainly upgrade their forward room this offseason.

With Paul George likely to regress further and Kelly Oubre Jr. hitting free agency, one of Philadelphia's front office's top priorities this summer may be shoring up the wing spot. One method of doing so for the 76ers is the 2026 NBA Draft, as they acquired the Houston Rockets' first-round pick in the trade that sent Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One prospect linked to the 76ers by Liberty Ballers is Michigan Wolverines senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg.

"Even as one of the older prospects in this class, he’s absolutely worth monitoring for the Sixers. Lendeborg brings a legitimate NBA frame at nearly 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and a standing reach north of nine feet," Harrison Grimm wrote. "The analytics love him."

The 23-year-old is averaging 14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 49.6% shooting and 30.9% shooting from three-point range in 28 appearances for the Wolverines this season.

Grimm continued, "Most boards project Lendeborg in the late lottery. Still, we’ve seen older prospects slide, especially when rebuilding teams prioritize youth and upside. The Sixers would likely need to trade up to secure him, but I’d imagine many evaluators see him as an excellent fit next to Joel Embiid and a roster built to compete right away."

Lendeborg is an incredibly well-rounded, polished prospect, which is to be expected given the number of years he's spent in college. Offensively, he can do almost anything a team desires inside the arc. From putbacks in the paint to running the pick-and-roll at the top of the key, Lendeborg can deliver it.

Defensively, he uses his size and strength to his full advantage, which often translates to steals and blocks for the senior forward. He is averaging 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals this season.

His greatest weakness is consistent shooting from the perimeter, which can absolutely be taught at the next level. A frontcourt led by George, him, and Embiid sounds quite ideal if he falls to their pick in the mid-20s.

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Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.