Heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, much of the intrigue for the Chicago Bulls will surround their selection at fourth overall.
What's going on at the top with the Washington Wizards? Will Darryn Peterson come off the board, or will they stick with AJ Dybantsa? Would the Utah Jazz be willing to take a swing on Cameron Boozer? Where does that leave Caleb Wilson?
These are all questions that will be at the top of every Bulls fan's mind when the Draft kicks off on Tuesday night. But Chicago is also in possession of the 15th overall pick. If they want to jumpstart their rebuild, nailing both selections is an absolute necessity.
If they get a forward at the top of the draft, maybe a guard would be their best bet at 15th. But draft expert Sam Vecenie, in his first mock draft after the release of his NBA Draft Guide for The Athletic, had the Bulls taking Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg at that slot.
While Lendeborg falling to 15th would be a major surprise, it would leave Chicago with a clear dilemma. Do they capitalize on the talent available, or do they look for a younger piece with more room for development?
If Yaxel Lendeborg is available at 15th overall, the Bulls will be left with a serious dilemma
While Vecenie seems to be lower on Lendeborg than most analysts, his draft analysis is widely respected. When he projects a prospect like Lendeborg (who could very easily go as early as 11th or 12th overall) to drop, it holds weight.
Here's what Vecenie had to say about both the drop and the potential fit with Chicago:
"Teams across the league are unsure of Lendeborg’s draft range. His pre-draft workouts have not gone particularly well so far, and he’s dealt with an ankle injury that is not seen as a long-term issue.... He is a versatile player type that new Bulls president of basketball operations Bryson Graham is prioritizing, as Lendeborg is massive, athletic and skilled. I love his potential fit with Giddey, Wilson and Buzelis thanks to his ability to defend at the point of attack and get out in transition at a high level." Sam Vecenie, The Athletic
All of Vecenie's descriptors of Lendeborg— 'versatile', 'massive', 'athletic' — are correct, and they match perfectly what Bryson Graham seems to be looking for in this new era of Bulls basketball. Across 40 games at Michigan last season, Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 37.2% from beyond the arc.
Lendeborg's most impressive traits don't lie in his offensive production, though. He's a rangy combo forward capable of impressive athletic feats. He has a constant motor on defense that, when coupled with his vertical athleticism, consistently results in plays that pop off the tape.
At the same time, Lendeborg will 24 by the time his rookie season gets going. While there's certainly room for growth (he played his first three years at junior college against sub-par competition), he might not fit Chicago's vision of a long-term rebuild.
If a prospect like Cameron Carr or Christian Anderson is available at 15th overall, the Bulls could certainly be more inclined to spring for a younger guard rather than Lendeborg. Any potential for Lendeborg to drop to 15th, therefore, leaves the Bulls with a clear dilemma.
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