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Former Michigan Basketball Star Morez Johnson Jr. Reacts to Joining Dusty May in Dallas After NBA Draft
Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season, adding defensive honors and improved shooting before the Mavericks picked him.
- On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Dallas Mavericks selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, reuniting him with former Wolverines head coach Dusty May.
- Dusty May's hiring on Monday, June 22, set the stage for the reunion; May previously coached Johnson throughout Michigan's championship-winning season, frequently calling the forward his "junkyard dog."
- The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds last season while shooting 62.3 percent from the field and earning All-Big Ten Defensive Team honors after expanding his 3-point range to 34.3 percent.
- After being drafted, Johnson told ESPN, "I'm very excited to do it with my coach," expressing surprise at the move and eagerness to reunite with May in Dallas.
- Pairing with 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, Johnson will form one of the league's most intriguing young frontcourts under May's direction. Johnson said, "I'm very excited and happy that I'm on the same side as him.
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Mavericks add a familiar face to new coach’s team
WFAA News 8: Author: Paul Livengood Published: 8:27 PM CDT June 23, 2026 Updated: 8:27 PM CDT June 23, 2026 DALLAS — With their first selection in the Ujiri-Schmitz-May era, the Dallas Mavericks picked up one of May’s players at the national championship-winning Michigan squad, power forward Morez Johnson Jr. May was hired just 24 hours prior to the NBA Draft on June 23, and the front office went with the familiarity May has with one of his col…
Former Michigan basketball star Morez Johnson Jr. reacts to joining Dusty May in Dallas after NBA draft
Former Michigan Wolverines standout Morez Johnson Jr. didn’t think he’d be playing for Dusty May again anytime soon. Then the Dallas Mavericks called his name.
·Detroit, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 33%
11%
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