The national champs are sending multiple talents to the NBA. Is Yaxel Lendeborg a potential fit for Brooklyn?
The Brooklyn Nets could land some championship experience this offseason.
Via the Michigan Wolverines, that is.
Multiple Wolverine players will help comprise the 2026 NBA Draft prospect list. Some rise as potential fits for head coach Jordi Fernandez and general manager Sean Marks.
NetsRoundtable spent the month of April closely examining multiple incoming rookies ranging from Keaton Wagler of Illinois, Darryn Peterson of Kansas and Cameron Boozer of Duke.
But again, Brooklyn gains a chance to add title winning experience via the draft too. Hence why Yaxel Lendeborg enters the picture here for these reasons:
Do-Everything Type
Lendeborg became a fan favorite in Ann Arbor for multiple reasons.
But to put it more succinctly, he became a do-everything type for head coach Dusty May.
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.
He brought an unselfish brand of basketball teams will love.
Court Vision
Lendeborg presents some "point forward" traits on the floor.
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.
One example is the long range pass he executed against Saint Louis during the NCAA Tournament's round of 32.
Post Presence
The former UAB Blazer is still built for the low post.
He knows how to turn to his elbows and shoulders to create space in the paint for his baskets.
He resorts to power when shooting underneath the hoop. But knows when to quickly release the shot when he's one-on-one.
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.
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.
He's likely too small to play the power forward spot but can provide versatility there.
Are Nets a Fit?
Lendeborg will become a fan and coaching favorite for his unselfish brand of basketball.
He's more on the blue collar side, which can help the Nets' frontcourt.
He's worth looking closer at if two things happen: He drops to the early second round, or if the Nets find themselves at No. 10 or 11th in the draft lottery.
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