Dallas Mavericks Select Morez Johnson Jr. With 9th Overall Pick

June 24, 2026 - 09:17

The Dallas Mavericks have added a bruising presence to their frontcourt, selecting Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The selection marks a significant moment for the Wolverines program, which now officially has a top-ten representative in this year's class.

Johnson, known for his relentless motor and physical style of play, carved out a reputation as one of the toughest rebounders in college basketball. During his time at Michigan, he averaged a double-double while anchoring the paint on both ends of the floor. Scouts have praised his ability to finish through contact and his developing mid-range game, though his free-throw shooting remains a work in progress.

For the Mavericks, the pick addresses a clear need for size and interior toughness. Dallas has long relied on perimeter scoring from its guards, but adding a player of Johnson's caliber in the post gives the team a new dimension. He is expected to slot in immediately as a rotational big man, providing energy off the bench and competing for minutes alongside the team's existing frontcourt pieces.

Johnson's path to the draft was marked by steady improvement. He entered Michigan as a highly touted recruit and delivered on expectations, leading the Big Ten in offensive rebounding rate in his sophomore season. His work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work have drawn comparisons to traditional power forwards who thrive without needing the ball in their hands.

The Mavericks' front office expressed confidence in Johnson's fit within their system, citing his defensive versatility and high basketball IQ. As the draft continues, all eyes will be on how quickly he can adapt to the speed of the professional game. For now, Michigan fans can celebrate seeing one of their own hear his name called in the lottery.