Kings and Clippers linked to draft reach for Michigan star, but it’s not Yaxel Lendeborg

A new report suggests the Sacramento Kings or Los Angeles Clippers could take a risk with their top 10 selection in June and go after a star from national champion Michigan. But this is not Yaxel Lendeborg.

Over the weekend, both the Kings and Clippers found out where they will select in next month’s NBA Draft. The results were very different for the pair of California teams. Despite having strong chances to make the top four, Sacramento finished seventh overall. LA got a rare run of luck and won with the fifth overall pick.

The Clippers reached such a critical spot despite being playoff contenders this spring because of the bold trade they made that sent Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for a top-four protected pick. When Indy finished with the fifth overall pick, the selection went to LA.

In the days since, various draft speculations have linked the Kings and Clippers to star prospects such as Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, and Keaton Wagler. However, according to CBS Sports draft expert Adam Finkelstein, both teams could go in surprising directions with their picks at five and seven, respectively.

Kings
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Finkelstein claims that after looking impressive at the NBA Draft Combine this week, Michigan big man Ade Mara is rapidly moving up draft boards, and the Clippers and Kings have the most obvious need for a center in which the Spaniard has “incredible size, rim protection, deceptive mobility, passing and touch.”

“It remains to be seen whether someone will pull the trigger at 5 or 7, but it is no longer viewed as unlikely, especially in that latter scenario,” Finklestein noted about the player who was originally projected to go much later in Round 1.

If any Michigan star advanced to the event, most basketball fans would assume it would be top star Yaxel Lendeborg. The senior was first or second to the national champions in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

But Mara is a beast at 7-foot-3 and 259 pounds. Its wingspan is 7 feet 6 feet and height is 9 feet 9 inches. Mara is a shot-blocking specialist who led the Big Ten with 2.6 blocks last season.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

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Duke and Michigan gifted great replacements for Boozer, Lendeborg in transfer portal

Duke and Michigan were gifted a great replacement option for their top stars, Carlos Boozer and Yaxel Lendeborg, in the transfer portal.

It’s a big week for both the Blue Devils and Wolverines men’s basketball programs. A pair of top-five schools have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament and have a real chance to advance to the Elite 8 on Friday night.

While both teams have strong rosters, Duke and Michigan could not reach this point in the season without ACC Player of the Year Cam Boozer and Big Ten pot Yaxel Lendeborg. Unfortunately for fans of the show, they need to enjoy the ride and the talent of both as they will be gone after this month.

The Duke freshman could be the No. 1 pick in June’s NBA draft, while Lendeborg will be forced to head to the pros as it is his final year of eligibility. Although both programs are focused on their Sweet 16 games, they should also be looking to replace their best players. Well, a very interesting option has just arrived on the transfer portal.

Should Duke and Michigan target Paulius Murauskas in the transfer portal?

Duke
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This week, Saint Mary’s star Paulius Murauskas told ESPN he will enter the portal and be available to the highest bidder to maximize his final season of eligibility in 2026-27.

The Gaels have become a force in the West Coast Conference under head coach Randy Bennett and the 6-foot-8-inch, 225-pound standout has emerged as their best player this season. In his second year with the program, the Lithuanian had a breakout campaign as he led the team in scoring (18.4) and rebounds (7.6), and was second in assists (2.1).

It won’t be easy for Duke or Michigan to replace Boozer and Lendeborg. However, the former Arizona recruit is an interesting option who could be a Player of the Year contender next season at his program.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Duke #Michigan #gifted #great #replacements #Boozer #Lendeborg #transfer #portal