The countdown to the 2026 NBA Draft is officially on, and for Michigan Wolverines fans, this year's event in Brooklyn (June 23-24) is shaping up to be a special one. A trio of Michigan stars are projected to hear their names called in the first round, signaling a strong pipeline from Ann Arbor to the pros. While underclassmen Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara still have the option to return to campus, the momentum is building toward them making the leap.
With the NBA playoffs still heating up, mock draft season is already in full swing. Let's break down where Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson are landing in the latest projections. Keep in mind, the draft lottery hasn't happened yet, so team slots are still up for grabs.
Bleacher Report (Jonathan Wasserman): Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 13 to the Oklahoma City Thunder
Wasserman draws a compelling comparison between Lendeborg and NBA veteran Aaron Gordon, citing the Wolverine's positional versatility and sturdy frame. What really stands out, though, is Lendeborg's competitive fire—especially the grit he showed during Michigan's Final Four run. After transferring from UAB, he didn't just survive at a higher level; he thrived, helping lead the Wolverines to a national title while validating his all-around game against elite competition. An improved shooter, tenacious defender, and skilled passer who rebounds with authority, Lendeborg profiles as a plug-and-play asset for any NBA roster.
USA Today (Bryan Kalbrosky): Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 6 to the Memphis Grizzlies
This is the highest projection we've seen for Lendeborg, and Kalbrosky believes he's a lock for the top 10. The reasoning? Memphis has a history of ignoring draft-age concerns—just look at how they embraced Purdue's Zach Edey. The Grizzlies could be a perfect fit for the Big Ten Player of the Year, who proved on the biggest stage that he might be the most NBA-ready prospect in the entire class. Lendeborg offers a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor and has silenced every doubt about how his game would translate from a mid-major to a high-major program. Keep an eye on this pairing as draft night approaches.