Johnson reunites with Mavs' May, leads U-M trio in draft lottery
The Dallas Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the 9th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, reuniting him with former University of Michigan coach Dusty May.
Velocity timeline
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
The brief
The Dallas Mavericks have drafted Morez Johnson Jr. at number nine in the 2026 NBA Draft. This move reunites Johnson with Dusty May, who was hired by the Mavericks just before the draft.
Johnson is the first of three University of Michigan players selected in the draft lottery. Coverage from ESPN, AP News, and the Dallas News emphasizes the connection between May and his former Michigan player.
While Mavs Moneyball confirmed the selection, CBS Sports labeled the pick a failure, characterizing Johnson as a low-upside selection that does not provide help for Cooper Flagg. Future developments center on how the Mavericks integrate Johnson into their roster and the draft outcomes for the remaining two University of Michigan players.
Synthesized by Newsylist from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 2h ago.
Quick answers
Which pick did the Mavericks use to select Morez Johnson Jr.?
The Dallas Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the 9th pick.
What is the connection between Dusty May and Morez Johnson Jr.?
Dusty May was the coach for Johnson at the University of Michigan before being hired by the Mavericks.
How many University of Michigan players were in the draft lottery?
Three University of Michigan players were in the draft lottery, led by Morez Johnson Jr.
Coverage (6)
- Johnson reunites with May, goes No. 9 to Mavs www.espn.com · 1h ago
- ‘We have Rez and they don’t’: See Dusty May's scouting report on the Mavericks' Morez Johnson Jr. Dallas News · 6h ago
- Mavs hire Dusty May just in time for NBA draft, then pick one of the coach’s Michigan players AP News · 6h ago
- With the 9th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Morez Johnson Jr. Mavs Moneyball · 6h ago
- 2026 NBA Draft winners and losers: Mavericks fail to help Cooper Flagg with low-upside Morez Johnson Jr. pick CBS Sports · 6h ago
- Johnson reunites with Mavs' May, leads U-M trio in draft lottery ESPN · 6h ago broke it first
People, places & organizations
Topics
Related trends
Sixers select Alabama guard Labaron Philon with the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
The Philadelphia 76ers have added offensive firepower to their roster by selecting Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Final 2026 NBA Draft Big Board Rankings with Cameron Boozer at No. 1
Cameron Boozer is ranked No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft Big Board Rankings
Michigan AD Warde Manuel releases statement on Dusty May’s departure
Michigan AD Warde Manuel comments on Dusty May's departure for Dallas Mavericks
3 takeaways from Dusty May leaving Michigan for Dallas Mavericks
Dusty May is transitioning from a national championship victory at Michigan to a coaching role with the Dallas Mavericks.
2026 NBA Mock Draft: Gary Parrish's final projections following Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade
The 2026 NBA Draft arrives amid shifting projections following a blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade that altered lottery assets.