‘Truly blessed.’ Dallas Mavericks’ top pick says he was surprised by the call
Morez Johnson Jr. said he was caught off guard when the Dallas Mavericks selected him on Tuesday with the ninth pick, reuniting him with his college coach.
“I’m truly blessed to be here,” he said. “I didn’t find out Dallas liked me until draft night.”
The Mavericks introduced Johnson on Thursday at American Airlines Center. He was their first round pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Johnson and Mavericks coach Dusty May won the 2026 NCAA national championship at Michigan. The Mavericks hired May on Monday.
Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward/center, averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks and started in all 40 games for the Wolverines last season. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive team honors. Johnson had nine double-doubles, including one in the national championship.
Johnson described himself as a “junkyard dog” and said his strongest point on defense is an ability to switch and guard more than one position.
“I think my motor is unbelievable, being able to guard one through five, physical, want to win,” he said.
Johnson said he already has a relationship with the Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg, the reigning Rookie of the Year and last year’s No. 1 overall pick.
“I know him very well from AAU, we never played against each other, but a lot of camps we were there together,” he said. “I’d say I have a good relationship with him.”
Johnson joked that he was May’s favorite player. He was the first of three Michigan players taken in the first round. Yaxel Lendeborg was selected at No. 11 by the Golden State Warriors and Aday Mara went at No. 12 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Johnson is expected to play in the NBA’s Summer League in early July. May will be introduced to the media on Monday at the American Airlines Center.
