Dallas Mavericks Hire Dusty May as Head Coach and Select Morez Johnson Jr. Ninth in 2026 NBA Draft

On June 23 the Dallas Mavericks announced Dusty May as head coach and, less than six hours later, selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick. Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward who transferred from Illinois to Michigan, started 40 games last season.

He averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while helping the Wolverines win the national championship. The Golden State Warriors selected another Michigan forward, Yaxel Lendeborg, at No. 11. Lendeborg, also 6 feet 9 inches, averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his final college season.

He began his career at Arizona Western junior college and played two seasons at UAB before finishing at Michigan. Aday Mara was also taken in the first round. Johnson said he was surprised by the timing of May's hiring.

"I was insanely shocked when I saw Dusty was going to be coach of the Mavs. I did not see it coming at all," he said. He added that he looks forward to playing alongside Cooper Flagg. "I think it can get dangerous, us two on the court at the same time," Johnson said.

Lendeborg spoke on the ESPN broadcast about the non-traditional route that brought him to the draft. "Every emotion possible. I don't deserve to be here right now. Didn't have a traditional path. I can't believe it," he said.

Lendeborg's mother was diagnosed with cancer earlier in 2026.