Thunder Add Championship-Tested Big in First Mock Draft After NCAA Tournament

OKC selects Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with 12th overall pick in latest FanSided mock draft.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:34pm

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The OKC Thunder are projected to select Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the 12th overall pick in FanSided's latest 2026 NBA mock draft. Lendeborg, a 23-year-old senior, is coming off an impressive NCAA championship run and is seen as a strong fit for the Thunder's defensive-minded, position-less scheme.

Why it matters

The Thunder have dealt with injury issues in recent seasons and could use a versatile frontcourt player to complement their backcourt depth. Lendeborg's championship experience, two-way skills, and physical tools make him an appealing option for a Thunder team aiming to contend for a title.

The details

In his lone season at Michigan, Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 37.2% from 3-point range. He was named a Consensus first-team All-American, Big Ten All-Defensive Team, and Big Ten Player of the Year. Lendeborg's production continued in the NCAA Tournament, where he averaged 18.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and nearly a block and steal per game while shooting 54.5% from the field and 46.7% from deep.

  • Lendeborg just completed his senior season at Michigan, leading the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A 23-year-old senior forward from Michigan who was named a Consensus first-team All-American, Big Ten All-Defensive Team, and Big Ten Player of the Year after leading the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship.

Sam Presti

The general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will be tasked with selecting Lendeborg and other players in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Lendeborg should play well in the Thunder ecosystem right out of the gates.”

— Christopher Kline, FanSided writer

What’s next

The Thunder will have the opportunity to select Lendeborg with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which is scheduled for June.

The takeaway

By selecting the championship-tested Lendeborg, the Thunder would be adding a versatile, two-way forward who could immediately contribute to their title-contending aspirations. His maturity, defensive versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways make him an appealing fit for Oklahoma City's roster.