When the Dallas Mavericks stunningly hired Michigan’s Dusty May as their new head coach on Monday, it became clear they would likely be targeting one of May’s Wolverine stars with the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday night. However, almost nobody expected to hear the name that was called.
Morez Johnson Jr. was the pick for the Mavs at No. 9 on Tuesday night, going ahead of his front court-mates Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg. Some fans saw this as a reach, but May clearly values what Johnson brings to the table enough to scoop him up in the top 10.
After the draft, Mavericks general manager Mike Schmitz talked about what makes Johnson the right man for Dallas.
#Mavs GM Mike Schmitz on the selection of Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9:
“Morez brings the type of toughness & competitiveness that we’re looking for. High energy guy. Incredible motor. Winner. Has done it at the highest level in college basketball & did so as a 20-year-old, too.” pic.twitter.com/KHanl1ADx3
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) June 24, 2026
“Morez brings the type of toughness & competitiveness that we’re looking for,” Schmitz said. “High energy guy. Incredible motor. Winner. Has done it at the highest level in college basketball & did so as a 20-year-old, too. He’s young for his class. He brings that type of energy and toughness that we want here in Dallas.
“And the familiarity piece is gonna be huge. It’s obviously a very unique situation to be able to play for your college coach at the NBA level. So really excited to have Morez and Dusty as well.”
This story will be updated.
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