Overview
- Recent mock drafts disagree on Golden State’s assumed mid-first selection, with ESPN and Yahoo Sports pointing to New Zealand forward Karim Lopez, The Ringer favoring Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., and SB Nation plus The Athletic projecting Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg.
- Separate projections have Oklahoma City targeting Lendeborg at a nearby pick via the Clippers, with ESPN noting the Thunder also hold No. 17 and could package assets due to limited roster spots.
- Golden State’s slot is not set because the NBA Draft Lottery has not taken place, so mocks use an assumed No. 11 that could change.
- Lendeborg is billed as ready on day one after a title run at Michigan and a season that included Big Ten Player of the Year honors and first-team All-America, and he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists with active defense.
- USA Today’s latest mock sends Lendeborg to Memphis at No. 6, which signals he could be off the board before Golden State or Oklahoma City makes a choice.