Weighing in at a rock-solid 235–240 lbs with broad shoulders, Lendeborg possesses the "bone density" required to survive the 82-game NBA grind. Unlike slender prospects who might be pushed off their spots, Lendeborg has a frame that naturally absorbs "bumps" during drives and in the post. His history of high-minute usage without significant injury history suggests a durable "workhorse" build that NBA training staffs can further refine into a pro-ready anchor.

Lendeborg’s "lower-half anchor" is exceptional, allowing him to hold his ground against traditional 7’0” centers in the post despite being the shorter player. This functional strength is most evident in his box-outs and his ability to maintain a low center of gravity when defending the drive. He doesn't just look strong in a weight room; he uses his leverage to displace opponents, which is a vital skill for a "small-ball" five or a physical "four" in playoff-intensity environments.

While he is far from "ground-bound," Lendeborg’s verticality is more functional than flashy, with a 31.5” maximum vertical. He often requires a "gather" to reach his peak height, which can occasionally make him vulnerable to elite NBA shot-blockers who can meet him at the apex more quickly. However, his elite length and timing often mask this lack of "instant air," as he relies more on positioning and reach than raw leaping ability to finish above the rim.

The "Pogo Factor" is a hallmark of Lendeborg’s game, as he is consistently the first player back in the air after an initial shot or jump. His ability to land and immediately re-launch allows him to dominate the offensive glass, often tipping the ball to himself or finishing a put-back before the defense can reset. This trait is essential for an NBA "Connector," as it generates second-chance opportunities that frustrate opposing defenses and keep possessions alive.

Lendeborg has shown decent hip fluidity, but his lateral containment against elite NBA-level "twitch" guards is a moderate concern. While he can "flip his hips" to run with drivers, he can sometimes be caught in a high stance, making it difficult to recover if a guard changes direction suddenly. His elite length helps him recover for "chase-down" contests, but his ceiling in a heavy-switching defensive scheme depends on his ability to consistently sit in a stance against smaller perimeter players.

For a player of his size and weight, Lendeborg possesses impressive end-to-end burst, frequently beating opposing bigs down the court in transition. This "rim-running" capability creates 5-on-4 advantages that are difficult for defenses to scout for, particularly after he secures a defensive rebound and initiates the break himself. His linear speed ensures he isn't a liability in a high-tempo offensive system and allows him to be a factor in early-offense situations.

One of the more underrated aspects of his game is his ability to decelerate. Lendeborg can go from a full-speed transition sprint into a controlled "stop-and-pop" or a nuanced finish at the glass without losing his center of gravity. This core control is visible in his touch around the rim, where he can absorb contact in mid-air and still adjust his shooting angle, a skill that correlates highly with efficient finishing against NBA rim protection.

Lendeborg’s performance floor remains remarkably high even deep into games, a testament to his elite conditioning. During his time at UAB and Michigan, he has regularly played 34+ minutes per game with a high usage rate on both ends of the floor. His shooting mechanics and defensive intensity rarely dip in the fourth quarter, indicating that he has the "gas tank" required to maintain a high-impact role in the NBA’s demanding schedule.

The "Pure Touch" proxy is exceptionally strong for Lendeborg. Shooting 84.6% from the charity stripe during his senior season at Michigan, he has demonstrated the technical consistency that often predicts NBA shooting translation. His mechanics at the line are repeatable and devoid of hitches, suggesting that his perimeter shooting is not a fluke but a result of high-level touch that will likely hold up under the pressure of professional closeouts.

While the rim and the three-point line are his primary habitats, Lendeborg has shown a developing "Playoff Tool" in the mid-range. He has a decent feel for the 15-foot pull-up when defenses "ice" the screen, though scouts have noted his mechanics can still be a bit deliberate in these situations. For him to reach a Cornerstone ceiling, he will need to speed up his release to punish NBA defenders who drop deep into the paint.

Lendeborg provides legitimate "Spacing Gravity" as a catch-and-shoot threat. He shot 34.2% on significant volume mid-season, with standout performances like his 4-of-5 outing against Maryland. He is consistently "shot-ready" with his feet set before the ball arrives, forcing opposing bigs to respect him on the perimeter rather than camping in the lane to protect the rim.

Self-creation from deep remains a "Project" area for Lendeborg. His slower, more methodical release makes it difficult to generate clean looks on step-backs or pull-ups against athletic NBA wings. In transition, he is more likely to pull up for a set shot than a dynamic move, meaning he currently serves more as a floor-spacer than a primary perimeter creator who can force the defense to "show" on every screen.

Lendeborg possesses fluid one-motion mechanics and the leg power to comfortably shoot from NBA distance. However, his deliberate release speed is the primary hurdle for his pro transition. While he hits consistently in college when given space, the narrower windows of the NBA will require him to quicken his "dip-to-release" timing to ensure his arc isn't neutralized by the league's elite closing speed.

Lendeborg has a high "Rim Pressure" rating due to his ability to dunk through contact. He is in the 89th percentile in points per shot and possesses a strong enough chest to displace interior defenders. His transition highlights often feature him running the floor and finishing with authority above the rim, a trait that correlates with a high Free Throw Rate (FTr) at the next level.

Beyond raw power, Lendeborg is an elite "Touch" finisher. He frequently utilizes Euro-steps, wrong-foot layups, and "English" off the glass to negate shot-blockers. This finesse is vital for a player who, despite his length, does not always possess the elite vertical pop of a traditional rim runner, allowing him to remain efficient in the restricted area against superior athletes.

Lendeborg shows a high level of ambidexterity for a forward, often driving and finishing with his left hand with high confidence. While he still favors his dominant hand for complex "bullet" passes, he cannot be easily "forced left" by defensive schemes. This versatility prevents NBA scouts from successfully funneling him into a "weak side" and keeps his scoring package unpredictable in isolation.

Acting as a focal point for the Michigan offense, Lendeborg has proven he can keep the dribble alive against "hounding" ball pressure. He does not turn his back to the basket easily and possesses the ball security to initiate the break as a one-man fast break. This handle is the foundation for his "Initiator" potential, as it allows him to navigate into the teeth of the defense without turning the ball over.

This is a "Cornerstone" trait. Lendeborg has the rare ability to throw one-handed "whips" directly off the bounce without picking up the ball. This allows him to manipulate defenses and find open teammates through tight windows that most forwards simply cannot see. It is the hallmark of an elite NBA playmaker and makes him a primary candidate for a "Point Forward" role.

Lendeborg is a master of "Manipulation" in the pick-and-roll. He often uses the screen to put the defender "on his back" (the prison dribble), forcing the help defense to make a choice. His ability to read the low-man helper and decide whether to drive, dump it to the roller, or kick it to the corner is well beyond the typical collegiate forward's processing speed.

His "Court Mapping" is outstanding. Lendeborg consistently makes the "Second Read," passing to where a shooter will be rather than where they currently stand. He anticipates defensive rotations before they happen, often throwing lobs or skip passes that catch the help defense mid-step. This high-level vision makes him a lethal offensive hub from the elbow or the top of the key.

Lendeborg doesn't just see the pass; he delivers "Bullet Passes" into the shooting pocket with enough heat to beat closing defenders. His pinpoint accuracy reduces the time his teammates spend gathering the ball, leading to higher efficiency for his shooters. This velocity is a prerequisite for NBA playmaking, where the speed of recovery is significantly faster than in the NCAA.

A quintessential "Off-Ball Gravity" player, Lendeborg sets physical screens that actually create separation for his guards. More importantly, his "ghost" cutting is elite; he finds vacated spaces when the defense is ball-watching and relocates with purpose. This intelligence makes him an easy fit for any NBA system, as he generates value even when he isn't the primary ball-handler.

Decision-making at 100mph is a core strength. Whether he is leading the break himself or acting as the trailer for a secondary three, Lendeborg identifies the highest-value option in the first four seconds of the clock. His ability to throw pinpoint lobs in transition adds a dynamic layer to the Michigan offense that will translate directly to the NBA's pace.

Lendeborg possesses the "Worm" trait, maneuverability around box-outs to generate second-chance points. His "Pogo Factor" (Second Jump Speed) allows him to tip balls to himself or teammates before the opponent can secure the glass. This relentlessness is a skill in itself, often turning dead possessions into high-value points at the rim.

Lendeborg’s ability to "sit in a stance" is highly effective against modern NBA fours and larger wings. He uses his lower-body strength to anchor against drives and his active hands to harass ball-handlers, often resulting in deflections that stall the offense’s momentum. While he may lack the "twitchy" lateral recovery to stay in front of the league’s most elite sub-6'3" guards, his discipline and refusal to bite on pump fakes make him a reliable first line of defense in the paint.

When left on an island, Lendeborg stays remarkably disciplined, utilizing his 7’4” wingspan to contest pull-ups without needing to leave his feet. He possesses the hip fluidity to "flip" and run with drivers, and his broad-shouldered frame makes it difficult for offensive players to "shoulder" through him to create space. This isolation stability is a key reason he can be trusted as a "switch-everything" forward in a modern defensive scheme.

Lendeborg is an elite anchor in the post, frequently using his chest to prevent larger bigs from "backing down" into the restricted area. He has a high "functional strength" rating that allows him to hold his ground against traditional centers, and his reach enables him to poke the ball away during an opponent's gather. His ability to wall up and maintain verticality without fouling makes him a lethal deterrent against post-heavy offenses.

Lendeborg is surprisingly "skinny" when navigating screens, showing a high-level ability to fight over or under depending on the shooter's gravity. He stays attached to his man through multiple actions and communicates effectively with teammates to ensure seamless transitions during P&R coverage. His motor ensures that even when he is momentarily slowed by a screen, he works relentlessly to recover and contest the shot from behind.

This is one of Lendeborg's most "NBA-ready" traits. He doesn't just block shots; he alters the trajectory of nearly every attempt in his vicinity, forcing opponents to rethink their finishes. His verticality is textbook, allowing him to absorb contact at the rim while keeping his hands straight up, which minimizes foul trouble. At Michigan, his 1.4 blocks per game are a testament to his timing and the sheer defensive "shadow" he casts in the paint.

Lendeborg finishes nearly every defensive stop by securing the glass, averaging over 7 rebounds per game. He is proactive rather than reactive, making contact with the opponent first to establish position before the ball even hits the rim. His "Pogo Factor" allows him to sky for high rebounds that other players simply cannot reach, ensuring that his team rarely gives up second-chance points.

With a high "Defensive IQ," Lendeborg is a master of anticipation, frequently jumping passing lanes for steals that lead to transition opportunities. He uses his length to deflect "lazy" skip passes and is often the "low-man" helper who pokes the ball loose from a rolling big man. His 1.5 steals per game are a direct result of his ability to read the opponent's eyes and anticipate the next move before it happens.

Lendeborg excels at the "sprint-to-stall" technique, running at shooters under control so he isn't beaten by a simple pump-fake and drive. His massive wingspan allows him to offer a meaningful contest even when he is slightly late to the perimeter, and his balanced base ensures he can quickly transition from a closeout back into a defensive stance to contain a drive.

Lendeborg is often the most vocal defender on the floor, calling out screens and recognizing rotations before they develop. He is an elite "low-man" on lob threats, tagging the roller in P&R situations and relocating to cover the open man in a split second. This "rotational awareness" is a cornerstone of his game, making him a defensive coordinator on the court who elevates the performance of his teammates.

In the chaos of a change of possession, Lendeborg is consistently the first player to sprint back and identify defensive assignments. He communicates "Screen Left" or "Switch" while at a full gallop, preventing easy transition layups for the opposition. His motor and commitment to the "hustle" aspects of the game ensure that his team is rarely caught off-guard during fast-break situations.

Lendeborg is a "0.5-second" decision-maker, a trait that is highly coveted by modern NBA offenses. Whether he is at the high post or the corner, he determines his next move—shoot, pass, or drive—the moment the ball touches his hands. This rapid processing prevents the defense from resetting and keeps the ball moving, making him the perfect "connector" who enhances the rhythm of whatever lineup he is in.

His real-time communication is the heartbeat of the defense. Lendeborg is frequently seen pointing out cross-matches and calling out "Screen Left" or "Switch" before the action even initiates. This proactive awareness allows his team to pre-rotate, neutralizing advantages before the offense can exploit them. In the NBA, this level of "Defensive Quarterbacking" is what allows a player to stay on the floor during high-stakes playoff rotations.

Lendeborg possesses a mature understanding of "efficiency." He rarely forces "bad" shots, consistently distinguishing between a shot that is "good for him" versus one that is "good for the team" based on the clock and momentum. He is content to facilitate for others if he is being hounded, but he has the "alpha" instinct to take over in the paint when a mismatch is identified, ensuring the team always gets a high-percentage look.

Effort is a quantifiable skill for Lendeborg. He is the first player to dive for a loose ball and the most likely to sprint the full length of the floor for a chase-down block. This relentless engagement creates "extra" possessions and ignites team energy. His motor doesn't just show up in big moments; it is a consistent, 40-minute burn that wears down opponents over the course of a game.

Lendeborg embraces the "grind" of the game. He relishes physical contact, whether he is fighting for a rebound or setting a hard screen to free a teammate. He possesses a "dispositional" toughness that doesn't shy away from the league's more bruiser-style interiors. This physicality ensures that he cannot be "bullied" out of a game, making him a reliable enforcer in the paint.

When the stakes are highest, Lendeborg demonstrates elite "Cortisol Control." He demands the ball in the final minutes, but not necessarily to score; he wants to make the right play. Whether it’s a crucial defensive stop, an offensive rebound, or a pinpoint pass to an open shooter, his execution remains sharp under pressure, making him a trusted late-game asset for any coach.

Lendeborg is a natural floor leader. After a bad call or a teammate's turnover, he is the first person to offer a clap or a word of encouragement to keep the group focused. His body language remains composed regardless of the score, which provides a stabilizing influence on younger rosters. This "influence" is a key intangible that helps maintain locker room and on-court chemistry.

One of his greatest strengths is his adaptability. Lendeborg does not need the ball to be impactful; he can be a "star in his role" as a screener, rebounder, and defender. This high level of scalability means he can fit seamlessly alongside ball-dominant superstars or lead a bench unit as a primary facilitator, making him one of the most versatile "plug-and-play" prospects in the 2026 class.

Lendeborg is known for his "Correction Speed." If a coach points out a missed rotation or a technical flaw, he typically fixes it in the very next possession. This high level of "buy-in" and lack of ego makes him a favorite among coaching staffs. He views himself as a lifelong learner of the game, which suggests he will continue to maximize his physical tools through meticulous preparation.

As a 23-year-old graduate senior, Lendeborg has a lower "Potential Multiplier" than the 19-year-old freshmen in the class. While he is far more "NBA-ready" than most, scouts view his "runway" as being shorter. However, for a team looking to win immediately, his age is actually a benefit—his "floor" is significantly higher, and he is expected to contribute to a rotation on Day 1.