Yaxel Lendeborg - NBA Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
Leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, we will track where Yaxel Lendeborg appears in the latest NBA mock drafts.
Yaxel Lendeborg NBA Mock Drafts
Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Yaxel Lendeborg has appeared:
Round 1, Pick 30 — Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)
Lendeborg is another player with a decision to make. The UAB star committed to Michigan out of the transfer portal, but he might never play a game for coach Dusty May because of the way he's turning heads at the combine. Lendeborg was the top-ranked player in the transfer portal rankings by 247Sports.
Round 1, Pick 27 — Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)
Lendeborg, born in Puerto Rico, is a prospect many are keeping an eye on after declaring for the draft while maintaining his last year of eligibility. He is a two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Year and led the country in rebounding this past season. He had a tremendous day at the combine on Tuesday, shooting 16-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and 17-of-28 from the corner. He also measured in with an absurd 7-foot, 4-inch wingspan, representing one of the largest differentials this draft class (plus-7 1/2 inches). Lendeborg is scheduled to scrimmage beginning on Wednesday and will have the opportunity to solidify his place in the first round with a strong showing. If he opts to withdraw, he'll join Michigan next season.
Round 1, Pick 29 — Phoenix Suns (via CLE)
Scouting report: Lendeborg became a person of interest for NBA teams after a terrific season at UAB, but is no lock to remain in the draft, with significant money on the table from Michigan should he return to college next season.
His two-way productivity, size and improving skill level holds some appeal as a depth option with developmental upside at power forward. Lendeborg will need to win teams over on the workout circuit to play his way firmly into the type of range it might take to keep him in this class versus next year's. -- Woo
NBA intel and fit: The Suns changed front office leadership this month, with Brian Gregory taking over as top executive for James Jones and the franchise more focused on its latest coaching hire than anything else right now. Adding a contributor who can shore up Phoenix's questionable depth at this spot would be valuable. -- Woo
His two-way productivity, size and improving skill level holds some appeal as a depth option with developmental upside at power forward. Lendeborg will need to win teams over on the workout circuit to play his way firmly into the type of range it might take to keep him in this class versus next year's. -- Woo
NBA intel and fit: The Suns changed front office leadership this month, with Brian Gregory taking over as top executive for James Jones and the franchise more focused on its latest coaching hire than anything else right now. Adding a contributor who can shore up Phoenix's questionable depth at this spot would be valuable. -- Woo
Round 1, Pick 27 — Brooklyn Nets
There's chatter that Lendeborg, who committed to transfer to Michigan last month, could be persuaded to delay his NBA debut by a season and confirm that his incredible production at UAB was not the product of whipping up on lesser competition. If he stays in, his above-average rim protection for his position, connective passing, and ability to score within 15 feet would allow him to thrive as a role player in the short term for a wandering Brooklyn team while, in the long term, growing his game along with the rest of the roster.
Round 1, Pick 29 — Phoenix Suns (via CLE)
The top transfer in this year's portal class has options after leaving UAB — among them being a potential first-round pick. He's committed to Michigan as things stand now and remains one of the big names on the fence leading into the withdrawal deadline. A defensive playmaker with true two-way ability on the wing.
Yahoo! Sports — Kevin O'Connor
Round 1, Pick 24 — Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Lendeborg fills the stat sheet in every category, showing off athletic shot creation, dominant rebounding and versatile defense. There really isn't anything he can't do, it's just a matter of whether what he does in a weaker conference can translate to the pros. Some NBA teams hope he returns to school, since he'd face a much higher level of competition as a Michigan transfer. But what if he gets promised by a team such as OKC, where he'd be in a great player developmental program? It'd be a tough choice for Lendeborg, and certainly the Thunder would be wise to take a big swing with one or two of their firsts.