For the most part, mock drafts have focused on the Sacramento Kings picking up a new point guard, and for good reason. But there are forwards projected to go deeper in the draft worth paying attention to, such as Yaxel Lendeborg. He is the Swiss Army player the Kings need on the roster.
As a major part of the Michigan Wolverines' 2026 NCAA National Championship, Lendeborg's stock has risen dramatically. He was reputed to be the team's skeleton key, meaning he could unlock any situation. It's a testament to his incredible versatility in every aspect of the game.
That only became more obvious at the 2026 NBA Combine. He's over 6'8" tall out of shoes, yet has a wingspan of 7'3.25", which is a difference of 6.5 inches. That is a massive advantage on the court. On top of that, he's quick and agile, ending up in the top 10 fastest in the shuttle run drill.
Not enough? Lendeborg shot the lights out, hitting nine out of 10 in the spot-up 3-point drill. All of this fits with all the skills he showed off in college, including his almost unreal defensive range. This is a forward/center with athleticism and skill to take on pretty much anyone.
Lendeborg on the Kings just makes sense
For a team like Sacramento looking for key parts to a rebuilding process, Lendeborg could be a borderline miracle. He will be 24 years old soon, meaning he has a fully developed game and is ready to hit the floor. Plus, they can immediately fit him in anywhere on the roster and find success.
This isn't someone the Kings are going to have to put a ton of development into as a rookie. Sure, Lendeborg will have to be brought up to NBA speed, which will take some time. Given how adaptable he has proven to be and how shockingly high his basketball IQ is, that won't be a difficult process.
Most importantly, Lendeborg is an absolutely elite defender. There are very few players in this draft's top 15 who can defend at his level while also still being a productive and efficient scorer. Putting him on the court with the Kings' other young guns could be a game-changer.
It's surprising that Lendeborg is consistently projected to get drafted outside the top ten, considering how much he brings to the table. If that holds out, this gives the Kings the opportunity to grab the steal of the draft with their seventh pick. Or they could select yet another guard.
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