Surprising Yaxel Lendeborg report suddenly makes Spurs' dream draft a possibility

If recent rumors are correct, Michigan standout Yaxel Lendeborg may be falling further than anyone originally anticipated. That's potentially great news for Spurs fans.

There was a pie-in-the-sky scenario for San Antonio that involved moving up almost 10 spots to draft the talented power forward, but a move that aggressive isn't like the Spurs. But if they don't have to move that far, things can change quickly.

Unlike most of his peers in the same range, Yaxel isn't a specialist. He's a problem on the floor, impacting just about every area as a rebounder, passer, defender, and floor spacer. He's the kind of connective front-line piece that contenders almost never find outside of the lottery. The Spurs must take a chance to grab him if he's within range.

San Antonio becomes a real possibility for Lendeborg in the late teens

It's very difficult to know what teams will end up doing in the draft, but there's generally a consensus for what everyone needs. Victor Wembanyama plays a part in that, as many franchises will be drafting wings and big men they believe can help counter the Spurs' franchise star with strength and shooting.

Lendeborg provides that, but he's also 23 years old. That's working against him with most teams, but that shouldn't be the case for San Antonio. His championship Wolverine squad was fortunate enough to boast several talented big men, and they're younger than him. So, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. will likely end up coming off the board first.

Other bigs like Hannes Steinbach and Jayden Quaintance are projected to go in the same range, and like Johnson and Mara, they're also younger than Lendeborg. Their age gives teams a longer runway for upside, and many opt to take advantage of that over someone a little more polished and NBA-ready like Yaxel.

But the Spurs have plenty of young guys on their roster already. Their core has an average age in the low 20s, but they're already one of the biggest contenders in the league, so adding a prospect who can contribute immediately would be a boon for them.

Lendeborg checks every box Spurs are missing

San Antonio needs a power forward who can bang in the paint but stretch the floor. Ideally, they can guard in the post and on the perimeter. A true do-it-all weapon with power behind him. Lendeborg fits that description perfectly, and the Silver and Black could use his services.

The Hornets are reportedly very interested in the Michigan senior, and they're picking at No. 18. The Spurs would need to jump over them to land their guy, but that's much more manageable than going from 20 to 10 or 11.

The question remains whether they'll do it or not. The lottery balls fell San Antonio's way the last few years, so they didn't have to make any deals to land the perfect player. Things are different this time around. The resources are there to be used, and while the trust in Bright Wright shouldn't waver if he doesn't make this move, it would sure be nice if he would.

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