Johnson reunites with Mavs' May, leads U-M trio in draft lottery
The Dallas Mavericks have selected Morez Johnson Jr. in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking a reunion with newly hired coach Dusty May.
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The brief
The Dallas Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The selection follows the team's recent hiring of head coach Dusty May, who previously coached Johnson at the University of Michigan.
Coverage from AP News, ESPN, and Dallas News highlights the connection between May and his former player. Conversely, CBS Sports characterizes the pick as a low-upside selection for the Mavericks and notes a lack of immediate support for Cooper Flagg.
Attention now shifts to how Johnson integrates into the Mavericks' roster. Coverage does not yet specify the long-term strategic plans for the team following the conclusion of the draft lottery.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1d ago.
Quick answers
Who did the Dallas Mavericks select in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth pick.
What is the relationship between Morez Johnson Jr. and Dusty May?
Morez Johnson Jr. previously played for Dusty May at the University of Michigan.
How has the selection been received by analysts?
Coverage is mixed, with some outlets highlighting the reunion while others categorize the pick as having low upside.
Coverage (6)
- Mavs expect Morez Johnson Jr. to fit perfectly with Cooper Flagg NBA.com · 1d ago
- ‘We have Rez and they don’t’: See Dusty May's scouting report on the Mavericks' Morez Johnson Jr. Dallas News · 1d ago
- Mavs hire Dusty May just in time for NBA draft, then pick one of the coach’s Michigan players AP News · 1d ago
- With the 9th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Morez Johnson Jr. Mavs Moneyball · 1d ago
- 2026 NBA Draft winners and losers: Mavericks fail to help Cooper Flagg with low-upside Morez Johnson Jr. pick CBS Sports · 1d ago
- Johnson reunites with Mavs' May, leads U-M trio in draft lottery ESPN · 1d ago
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