Morez Johnson Jr. heard his name called at the 2026 NBA Draft, landing the ninth overall pick with the Dallas Mavericks. The selection marks a homecoming for the Michigan native, who now returns to the league after a standout college career.
A Reunion in Dallas
Johnson will reunite with his former Michigan coach, Dusty May, who left Ann Arbor after just two seasons to take the helm of the Mavericks. May expressed excitement about the opportunity to work with Johnson again and to integrate the versatile forward into his system.
During Michigan’s national championship season, Johnson averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and just over one block per game, earning a reputation for his defensive intensity and rebounding prowess. His experience in high‑stakes games should translate well to the NBA stage.
The Mavericks also drafted Cooper Flagg, a rising star who crossed paths with Johnson during AAU competition. Johnson believes the two can form a dangerous frontcourt duo, combining Flagg’s athleticism with his own defensive skill set.
May, who spent only two years at Michigan before making the move to Dallas, is enthusiastic about coaching Flagg and building around Johnson’s defensive mindset. He sees the new roster as a chance to blend youthful talent with seasoned leadership.
Fans in Dallas are already buzzing about the potential chemistry between Johnson, Flagg and the Mavericks’ existing core. With the draft night behind them, the team is poised to turn its new pieces into a cohesive unit that can compete for a championship.