Dallas Mavericks select Morez Johnson Jr. in the NBA Draft. What will his role be?
The Dallas Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.
Johnson, a Michigan product, played one season in college. He averaged 13.1 points with 7.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game on his was to a third team All-Big 10 selection with Michigan.
Johnson will reunite with his former head coach at the University of Michigan, Dusty May, who was hired by the Mavs for the same role and was at the Barclays Center for the draft on Tuesday night.
Johnson talked with ESPN on the broadcast of the draft about what it felt like to be drafted and if he thinks his new coach had any say in the selection.
“This is his second day, think he had a little bit but not too much,” said Johnson. “It’s crazy, man. We got work to do. ... This moment means a lot to me, man. I’ve been thinking about this since I was a little kid. Dallas always was a place I wanted to go, and it’s insane that I’m actually going to Dallas.”
After being selected he talked about what May brought to Michigan and what he’ll bring with him to Dallas.
“Coach Dusty had us very close last year. That was the closest team I ever been a part of. Coach May is going to focus on defense and bringing defense to the Mavs. We were the No. 1 defensive team in the country last year,” said Johnson. “ I’m excited, It’s insane. We just won a National Championship together. I can’t wait to get there and go to work with him again and ultimately win again.”
Johnson spoke on his fit with reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
“I think it can get dangerous, us two on the court at the same time. I’ve been playing against Coop for a very long time. I’m very excited and happy that I’m on the same side as him. Get some wins together,” said Johnson.
Johnson also talked about once again playing for Coach May after their time together at Ann Arbor.
“It’s insane: [We’re] the Michigan Mavs now, but I’m very grateful for this opportunity, man. And I’m excited to be with my coach,” said Johnson.
Johnson could provide a nice defensive partner with Flagg in the front court with Johnson’s rim protections and ability to switch on the perimeter.
Johnson was the first player picked by new Mavericks team president Masai Ujiri. The Mavericks will try to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
A.J. Dybantsa was selected by the Washington Wizards with the top pick in Tuesday’s draft.
This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 8:43 PM.
