2026 NBA Draft: Yaxel Lendeborg Scouting Report

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.

Yaxel Lendeborg

Position: Forward

School: Michigan

Class: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'9", 240 lbs

Birthdate: September 30, 2002

Previous Colleges: UAB, Arizona Western

High School: Pennsauken (NJ)

Player Overview

Yaxel Lendeborg is a versatile, high-IQ forward whose motor and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor make him an intriguing prospect. Known for his leadership, communication, and playmaking ability, Lendeborg thrives as a connector on the court. His rebounding, defensive anticipation, and ability to stretch the floor, though inconsistent, are valuable attributes.

Defensively, his lengthy wingspan and motor allow him to make deflections, blocks, and steals while covering significant ground. However, his foot speed against quicker perimeter players is a concern at the next level. Offensively, his strong frame and soft touch make him a force near the basket. However, refining his shooting consistency, particularly off the dribble and from mid-range, will be critical to his development.

Strengths

• Versatility and Athleticism: A do-it-all player who can impact multiple areas of the game.

• High Basketball IQ: Anticipates plays on both ends, makes sound decisions, and directs teammates effectively.

• Rebounding and Paint Presence: Strong frame and high motor make him a dominant force on the boards and an efficient finisher near the basket.

• Playmaking as a Big: Displays ball-handling and vision uncommon for his position, trusted by coaches to facilitate the offense.

• Defensive Anticipation: Uses his wingspan, motor, and IQ to make deflections, steals, and blocks.

  
  

Concerns

• Foot Speed: Struggles to stay in front of quicker guards and wings when switched onto the perimeter.

• Shooting Consistency: Needs to improve three-point accuracy and develop a more consistent off-the-dribble rhythm.

• Mid-Range Game: While his form is decent, he needs to tweak his mid-range mechanics for more reliability.

• Older Prospect: Enters the 2025-26 season at 23, which raises concerns about his developmental upside.

• Role Clarity: Questions remain about his natural position and ability to adapt to an off-ball role at the next level.

  
  

Questions

• What position will he play at the next level?

• Can he effectively contain quicker wings and guards defensively?

• Will his shooting and offensive versatility translate against higher competition?

• Can he thrive in a more off-ball role rather than being a focal point of the offense?

  
  

Bottom Line

Yaxel Lendeborg is a versatile player with a high motor and basketball IQ, making him a valuable prospect. His ability to facilitate as a big, stretch the floor, and defend with anticipation is unique for his position. While concerns about his foot speed and shooting consistency remain, his solid frame and overall feel for the game could make him a solid option for teams selecting in the second round. Lendeborg’s leadership and ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game could carve out a meaningful role in the NBA.