Depending on how the board falls, Michigan big man Morez Johnson, Jr. could be available when New York is on the clock at draft night next week. Should the Knicks consider him with their 24th or 31st selection?
The Basics
- School: Michigan (transferred from Illinois after his freshman year)
- Position: Forward / Center
- Height: 6’9″ (Measured barefoot at the Combine, 7’3.5″ wingspan)
- Weight: 251 lbs
- Age: 20
- 2025-26 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 62.3% FG, 34.3% 3PT, 78.2% FT
- Projected Draft Range: Late first to early second round (Picks 20–35)
The Numbers
Johnson Jr. was a crucial to the 2026 National Champion Wolverines, starting all 40 games. While his basic box score numbers are solid, it’s the underlying efficiency and physical dimensions that tell a larger story. He converted a 73% of his attempts at the rim, thriving on vertical gravity
and physical finishes. Defensively, he hauled in 7.3 rebounds per game while averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals. His free throw shooting jumped from 62% as a freshman at Illinois to 79% at Michigan on 156 attempts. Combine that foul line touch with a subtle 12-of-35 (34%) showing from three-point range, and you see the structural outline of a modern, multi-dimensional frontcourt piece rather than just a rigid rim-runner. Squint and do you see Julius Randle? Maybe just a little bit?
What Does He Do Well?
- Pro-Ready Physicality: At 251 pounds with a 7’3.5″ wingspan and a 39-inch max vertical, Johnson Jr. has an immediate NBA body. He plays with an aggressive, highly physical edge, meeting contact head-on and functioning as an interior enforcer.
- Elite Rim Finishing: He is an active off-ball mover who understands spacing, hard screens, and diving lanes. Once he catches the ball with momentum downhill, his combination of power and mid-air body control makes him incredibly difficult to slow down.
- Relentless Rebounding Motor: Dating back to his freshman year at Illinois, where he posted a near-nation-leading 17.2% offensive rebounding rate, Johnson Jr. tracks the ball beautifully. He establishes deep paint position, flips possessions, and secures defensive windows cleanly.
- Defensive Versatility: He earned Big Ten All-Defensive honors by proving he can anchor the paint without being totally anchored to it. His Combine lane agility drill (10.59 seconds) flashed the lateral mobility required to survive on the perimeter when guards hunting switches try to drag him out.
What Are the Concerns?
- Tweener Height: Measuring a true 6’9″ barefoot leaves him slightly undersized against true, elite NBA centers, while his offensive game is still a bit too interior-heavy to slide comfortably to a full-time power forward role right away.
- Lack of Self-Creation: Johnson is an explosive play finisher, but not a shot creator. He relies heavily on guards to set him up, rarely creating his own look out of isolated post-ups or face-up drives.
- Passing Limitations: With just 48 assists to 53 turnovers across 40 games last season, he can sometimes get tunnel vision when operating inside. He needs to improve his processing speed when hard doubles arrive or when kicking out to open shooters on the perimeter.
The Knicks Fit
Johnson Jr. fits the classic mold of an aggressive, physical, defense-first big man. Wouldn’t you drool to have a bruiser like this jogging onto the court with the second unit? He can crash the glass, execute drop coverage, and spend his rookie season sharpening his processing speed with the Westchester Knicks if need be. He offers the exact blend of toughness and physical tools that fits the organizational identity.
NBA Comparison
- Best-Case Comparison: Juilius Randle or Al Horford
- Median Outcome: Isaiah Stewart (A rugged, physical undersized center who locks down the glass and hits just enough outside shots to keep defenses honest).
- Low-End Outcome: Precious Achiuwa (An energetic, highly athletic rim-runner who brings defensive utility but occasionally struggles with offensive processing and consistency).
The Verdict
Draft him at 24. If Morez Johnson Jr. is on the board, pull the trigger, Leon. Mo brings championship pedigree, an elite physical profile, a rock-solid defensive motor, and flashes of real shooting touch that suggest his ceiling is much higher than a standard backup center. He checks every box of a modern, versatile frontcourt piece.
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Go Knicks!
