Why Warriors could use a player like Morez Johnson Jr. on their roster originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – When the Warriors signed big man Charles Bassey for the final six games of the 2025-26 NBA season, it was to address multiple needs. He rebounded splendidly, blocked a few shots, set solid screens and, above all, was available. He aced the audition.
As the Warriors prepare for the 2026 NBA Draft next week, they must consider whether a rookie might be a better long-term investment than a 25-year-old who has worn five different jerseys since the Philadelphia 76ers selected him in the second round in 2021.
Which is why pre-draft auditions continue, with Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. among several others going through a workout Monday at Chase Center.
“The workout went great for me,” Johnson said. “(I’ve) got try to show them that I’m competitive and want to win, do anything takes to win.”
Johnson is one of three frontcourt players from the national champion Wolverines bound for the NBA this month. All three could enter the league as lottery picks, with Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 center, expected to go first, followed by 6-foot-9 forward Yaxel Lendeborg and Johnson, who projects to go in the middle of the first round.
Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 250 pounds, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Johnson played primarily at power forward, putting up decent numbers. His interior defense is considered ahead of his offense, and that’s OK with Golden State, which is seeking help on that end.
It’s notable that Johnson expressed a belief that he’s capable of defending every position, from point guard to center.
Johnson leapt onto the radar of NBA teams after averaging 13.1 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds for the Wolverines. Among the NBA players draft services consider reasonable comparables are Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart, Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford and Houston Rockets veteran Clint Capela.
“I think that I bring some physicality, versatility on the defensive end and a connector offensively,” Johnson said. “Just trying to help everybody get to their spots, not try to force anything, being a great teammate.
“I think the second effort, second, third, fourth effort, that’s a winner’s trait. Just showing you I’ll do anything to win, multiple efforts, not just trying it one time and giving in. Just keep showing effort and being resilient.”
Johnson leaves Michigan after his sophomore season, during which he started all 40 games. He began his collegiate career at Illinois, where he played 30 games (eight starts) as a freshman before transferring.
There seems to be a consensus among scouts that Johnson’s greatest strength is his desire. His toughness and “motor” seem unquestioned.
Golden State is interested in players with those attributes, which also apply to Bassey. The greatest difference is that Bassey turns 26 in October, and Johnson won’t turn 21 until next January.
The Warriors like Bassey. They can’t be blamed for taking a close look at someone like Johnson, whose upside is reason enough to place him high on their draft board.
