The NBA Draft lottery took place Monday evening, meaning that, in the midst of the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, a number of NBA Draft publications have released their latest mock NBA Drafts. And in those projections, Michigan stars Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin as well as Wolverine commitment Yaxel Lendeborg were forecast to find NBA homes in next month's draft (June 25-26, Brooklyn).
Below, see where those projections slotted the Michigan-affiliated trio to go, and what they had to say about them.
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ESPN
Danny Wolf — No. 17, Minnesota Timberwolves
"Leaning into the versatility of an out-of-the-box prospect such as Wolf, who shouldered significant playmaking responsibilities for Michigan as a 7-footer, could be interesting. Wolf's skill level, creativity and overall instincts on both ends of the floor give him a higher ceiling than your typical 21-year-old prospect, especially with the development trajectory he has been on the past three years.
"The Pistons breaking through and making the playoffs conveyed this pick to the Timberwolves, who have a nice opportunity to add talent after having traded away most of their draft capital since Tim Connelly took over as president. Wolf would give them a versatile frontcourt player capable of contributing sooner than later."
Yaxel Lendeborg — No. 29, Phoenix Suns
"Lendeborg became a person of interest for NBA teams after a terrific season at UAB, but is no lock to remain in the draft, with significant money on the table from Michigan should he return to college next season," ESPN wrote. "His two-way productivity, size and improving skill level holds some appeal as a depth option with developmental upside at power forward. Lendeborg will need to win teams over on the workout circuit to play his way firmly into the type of range it might take to keep him in this class versus next year's."
Vlad Goldin — No. 57, Orlando Magic
The Athletic
Danny Wolf — No. 15, Oklahoma City Thunder
**"**Over their recent history, the Thunder have valued players with terrific positional size as well as the ability to dribble, pass and shoot for their position. Wolf is exactly that, as he's a real creator at nearly 7-feet tall with the ability to play in ball screens as a ballhandler as well as pass and make plays as a big man. He averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, though he had a real turnover problem owing to a bit of a high handle and wild decision-making.
"Defensively, there are also some questions, although I think that his overall movement skill has been underrated throughout the process. For the Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein's massive deal has a team option after next season, and they likely will struggle to afford him along with the extensions that will be owed to Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Jaylin Williams will also be owed an extension by next summer, too, meaning they could easily be in the market for another big."
Yaxel Lendeborg — No. 33, Charlotte Hornets
Vlad Goldin — No. 58, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Ringer (first round only)
Danny Wolf — No. 14, San Antonio Spurs
"The more unsavory parts of Wolf's game—turnovers, inconsistent shooting, meh-to-OK defensive upside—are a big reason why I think his responsibilities will need to be compressed into a smaller role in the NBA. But the length and athleticism of the Spurs should do a lot to protect him while allowing his polish as a lob thrower and feathery slinger of skip passes to shine.
"I also think he's a better shooter than many make him out to be, so he should form a nice synergy with Victor Wembanyama and give him opportunities to toggle between driving the ball and operating in the mid-post. Wolf has his minuses, but his overall feel for the game should allow him to stay on the floor."
Yaxel Lendeborg — No. 27, Brooklyn Nets
"There's chatter that Lendeborg, who committed to transfer to Michigan last month, could be persuaded to delay his NBA debut by a season and confirm that his incredible production at UAB was not the product of whipping up on lesser competition. If he stays in, his above-average rim protection for his position, connective passing, and ability to score within 15 feet would allow him to thrive as a role player in the short term for a wandering Brooklyn team while, in the long term, growing his game along with the rest of the roster."
Yahoo Sports
Yaxel Lendeborg — No. 22 overall
"Lendeborg fills the stat sheet in every category, showing off athletic shot creation, dominant rebounding and versatile defense. There really isn't anything he can't do, it's just a matter if what he does in a weaker conference can translate to the pros."
Danny Wolf — No. 31 overall
"Wolf is a 7-footer who ran point for Michigan, playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he's also a turnover machine and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance."
Sports Illustrated (first round early)
Danny Wolf — No. 25, Orlando Magic
"Wolf's a unique prospect as a 7-footer with legit shooting and passing chops. In general, it's usually a safe bet for guys with high feel, positional size and floor-spacing ability to add value, though Wolf still has a lot to prove defensively."
Yaxel Lendeborg — No. 27, Brooklyn Nets
"Lendeborg may need a first-round promise to stay in the draft with a lucrative deal from Michigan on the table. Brooklyn has the flexibility to make such a promise and could use an older, versatile forward with Lendeborg's track record of productivity."
CBS Sports (first round only)
Danny Wolf — No. 18, Washington Wizards
"Wolf is a highly skilled big who handles and passes well enough that he was Michigan's primary initiator for significant stretches this season. If the shooting catches up he would be an ideal complement next to Sarr, who could also help protect him on the defensive end of the floor."