If you follow the Detroit Pistons on social media, then you’ve probably seen the jokes going around about what the Pistons should be willing to give up to draft Yaxel Lendeborg.
Most of these were just fans goofing around for engagement, but there’s also a hint of truth to it, as Lendeborg would be a great pick for the Pistons.
He’s a power forward who does a little of everything and does it well. He’s a tough and versatile defender who is not afraid of the paint or perimeter, he can make plays with the ball, he’s an efficient scorer and has shown chops from behind the 3-point line this season, improving to 37 percent on 4.5 attempts per game.
He’s also playing for Michigan in the Final Four and has already provided some heroics on their tournament run, so (most) fans in Michigan would be happy to see a local prospect on the Pistons.
Detroit Pistons draft: How far will Lendeborg fall?
The Pistons are currently 22nd in the draft because of their pick swap with Minnesota, which is probably too late to draft Lendeborg, who is widely predicted to go in the lottery and has helped his cause even more with an oustanding tournament run.
The only thing the Pistons have going in their favor is that he will be 24 years old by the time next season starts, so teams looking for younger, higher-ceiling prospects may pass. We've seen older players fall before, though his recent play has likely turned some heads.
His age is actually a plus for the Pistons, who could use a guy who is ready to play, especially if Tobias Harris ends up leaving in free agency. An older prospect who is physically ready may be more appealing to Detroit and the fact that he plays just down the road and would be an instant fan favorite is a bonus.
It’s still unlikely Lendeborg will fall that far, but there is always a chance he’ll end up within striking distance.
Could the Pistons move up in the draft?
I am sure we’ll be asking this question plenty as it gets closer, but if Lendeborg or another prospect the Pistons loved, were to fall into the later teens, would they entertain the idea of moving up?
The answer is probably yes, as the Pistons have a ton of extra second-round picks they could unload to move up a few spots in the draft. It’s doubtful they’d move into the lottery, but moving into the late teens may be possible if there’s a prospect they really love who has fallen.
There’s a large contingent of Pistons fans in Michigan who are hoping that prospect is Yaxel, who would fit right into Detroit’s defensive ethos and potentially be the power forward of the future.