With the ninth pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, Dusty May and the Dallas Mavericks selected Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr.
Johnson started his career with the Illinois Fighting Illini, where he played in 30 games as a true freshman during the 2024-25 season. He averaged seven points and 6.7 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game, and he posted eight
double-figure games in that time span.
However, Johnson truly emerged as a sophomore in Ann Arbor, averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.3 percent from the field. His offensive profile steadily expanded as well, as he knocked down 34.3 percent of his threes compared to not making any the season prior at Illinois.
The former 2024 Mr. Basketball in Illinois has been a winner at every level, winning a sectional championship and Southland title as a senior in high school, a gold medal in the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, and the national championship at Michigan.
Despite being on a loaded roster with three first round picks in the front court, Johnson carved out an instrumental role for himself under Dusty May. He was an enforcer on defense, showcasing the ability to guard 1-through-5, and he played aggressively on offense, unafraid to attack the basket against any defender in the country, as well as grow his shooting game immensely.
Johnson was also a stellar rebounder, coming down with 7.3 rebounds per game this season, which included 32 games of five-plus rebounds, and 10 games of 10-plus (career-high 16 rebounds at Washington). But most of all, he proved he could grow his game at a rapid rate, which is exactly what Dallas is hoping to get out of him.
With a 7-foot-3 wingspan and a 8-foot-11 standing reach at just 20 years old, Dallas is getting a young player with the measurables to be an NBA star. Johnson has proven he can defend and score against the best players in the country. Now, he will get the chance to play on the world’s biggest basketball stage and hope to round out his game even more.
Maize n Brew Scouting Report
Against Johnson this past season, opposing players shot 33 percent on 155 shot attempts, notably just 25 percent on jumpers. He doesn’t just stick to bigs either — with his 7-foot-3 wingspan, Johnson was able to guard the perimeter at a high rate this past season, easily switching 1 through 5, disrupting pick-and-roll situations, knocking bigs off their spots, deflecting passes with his long arms and sticking with guards due to his movement.
Johnson proved capable of taking over games, notably finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds and an assist in his homecoming at Illinois in February. But more consistently, he shot 62 percent on post-ups, scored the bulk of his points on cuts at a 75 percent clip and converted 72 percent of his shots at the rim.
