He rose to stardom with the Wolverines. Can Lendeborg pull off the same thing with the Kings? Here's a breakdown.
The Sacramento Kings can boost some championship experience on their roster this offseason.
Not limited to past NBA Finals champs, though. The likes of general manager Scott Perry, head coach Doug Christie and company can tap into some Michigan Wolverines too, who are fresh off a National Championship run.
KingsRoundtable continues to roll out NBA Draft possibilities for the franchise. Names like Darius Acuff of Arkansas, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, plus Kingston Flemings of Houston have all been mentioned here.
But now we dive into one of the biggest stars from the national title winner and see if Yaxel Lendeborg is a fit for Sacramento.
Versatile and Unselfish
Those are two words Kings fans should love.
Lendeborg handled post duties when called upon. Then banked threes when Michigan needed it. Plus he took on the leading scorer on the defensive side.
Whatever Dusty May and the Michigan coaches asked him to do, Lendeborg did it at a high level.
He brought an unselfish brand of basketball teams will love. And certainly Christie plus Perry.
'Point Forward'
Lendeborg presents some "point forward" traits on the floor, that makes him look like a closet point guard.
Another words, he knows when to become a facilitator.
Lendeborg smartly sends out the pass when teammates are cutting inside. He also sets up alley-oops too...as seen in one of his highlights against Saint Louis during March Madness.
Post Power and Shooter
The former UAB Blazer is still built for the low post with his 6-foot-9, 240-pound frame.
He knows how to turn to his elbows and shoulders to create space in the paint for his baskets...just like a glorified post presence.
He resorts to power when shooting underneath the hoop. But knows when to quickly release the shot when he's one-on-one with a defender.
Lendeborg became more cerebral on the floor thanks to experience from both Alabama-Birmingham and Michigan. But clearly sharpened his mind in the transfer to the Wolverines. Still, he presents inside and outside shooting ability.
Areas of Concern
He's not the quickest to the hoop, making fans wonder if he'll slip past defenders on a nightly basis or turn to his power down low, which could still wear him down in an NBA setting.
Lendeborg doesn't offer a deep lineup of post moves either and often trusted his height to shoot over foes during the season, even in the NCAA Tournament.
He's likely too small to play the power forward spot but can provide versatility there if brought over.
Are Kings a Fit?
He's not a first option pick here. Especially if Sacramento lands between one to 10 in the May 10 draft lottery.
He could be worth taking in the second round if he drops that low. Again, he looks like a coachable and unselfish player on the floor.
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