Michigan Wolverines star and Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, he announced on a TikTok livestream on Wednesday.
While he was already projected to be drafted when the season started, he’s risen to the first round thanks to an impressive season that was capped off by a national championship victory.
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At 6’9″ and 240 pounds, Lendeborg is a physically imposing forward with a well-rounded offensive game and versatile defense. He averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season while shooting 51.5% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc.
On the offensive end, he combines elite size and strength with good hands, crafty finishing and a smooth jumpshot.
He also put up 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per night, establishing himself as a legitimate threat on the defensive end. His ability to stretch the floor makes him one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this class.
He’s known for his motor and impact on both ends, traits that should translate well into the pros.
Concerns remain about the consistency of his outside shooting off the dribble, but he displayed great development in that area during the NCAA Tournament.
In terms of where he’ll be selected, the Memphis Grizzlies will have multiple picks in the late lottery and could certainly use Lendeborg’s three-level scoring ability. He’ll likely be drafted somewhere between the 7th and 15th pick.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
