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DALLAS (June 23, 2026) – The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have selected forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Johnson (6-9, 255) averaged 13.1 points (.623 FG%, .343 3FG%, .782 FT%), 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks and 25.1 minutes per game in 40 games (all starts) for the 2026 national champion Michigan Wolverines. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors after helping Michigan to a program-best 37-3 record and its first NCAA national title since 1989. Johnson tallied nine double-doubles, including a 12-point, 10-rebound effort in the national title game against the University of Connecticut.
The Illinois native represented Team USA in the 2024 FIBA U-18 AmeriCup and 2025 FIBA U-19 World Cup, helping the U.S. to a gold-medal finish both times. In the 2024 FIBA U-18 AmeriCup, Johnson averaged 8.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, and in the 2025 FIBA U-19 World Cup, he averaged 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 18.6 minutes per game.
Johnson reunites with his college coach Dusty May, who was hired by Dallas earlier today.
MOREZ JOHNSON JR. MEDIA AVAILABILITY
A press conference will be held at American Airlines Center on Thursday, June 25, at 12:00 p.m. CT. Details are below:
| What: | Press Conference Introducing First-Round Pick Morez Johnson Jr. for the Dallas Mavericks |
| Who: | Morez Johnson Jr. and Mike Schmitz |
| When: | Thursday, June 25 at 12:00 p.m. CTMedia may begin arriving at 11:00 a.m. CT |
| Where: | American Airlines Center (Interview Room #1) |
| More Info: | This event is for credentialed media only and not open to the public. Media must RSVP to MavsPR@dallasmavs.com in order to attend. Please park in the Lexus Garage and enter through the employee entrance. |
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